Could Texans Be a potential landing Spot for Christian Wilkins in Free Agency?
Since joining the NFL as the 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Christian Wilkins has been a key figure in the Miami Dolphins’ defense. With 355 tackles and 20.5 sacks in 81 games, he has established himself as one of the league’s top defensive tackles. However, despite his consistent performance over five seasons, Wilkins is set to explore free agency for the first time.
The Dolphins have opted not to franchise tag Wilkins, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. With Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans keen on bolstering the defensive line, speculation suggests that the Texans could be a viable destination for Wilkins.
“How can we get the right guys to complement each other, and play well off one another because that’s how I see D-Lines play,” Ryans said. “It’s not about just one guy. It’s a complement of eight guys who can come in and continue to put pressure on the opposing team.”
ESPN reports indicate the Texans as a possible landing spot for the talented defensive tackle. Ryans emphasized the importance of assembling a cohesive defensive line unit, highlighting the need for players who complement each other’s strengths. With a reported market value of a four-year, $80.9 million deal, Wilkins could fit within the Texans’ budget, especially considering their substantial salary cap space of nearly $70 million. Beyond financial considerations, Wilkins has the potential to make a significant impact for Houston in the upcoming 2024 season.
Coming off a stellar season where he tallied 65 tackles and 9.0 sacks in 17 games in 2023, Wilkins has shown continuous improvement. Pro Football Focus ranked him ninth-best among defensive interior linemen in run defense, with a grade of 71.5. If Wilkins joins the Texans, he could further strengthen their defensive lineup and become a pivotal player for the team.
Leave a Reply