Dolphins standout Christian Wilkins sitting out team reps in camp amid contract negotiations
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was last seen in a team setting of training camp dominating offensive linemen on his own team in an Aug. 5 scrimmage.
Since, he has not participated in team drills in four practices entering Wednesday’s joint session with the Texans in Houston. That’s two joint practices against the Atlanta Falcons and a pair of intrasquad sessions, plus the preseason exhibition against Atlanta where starters were rested.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday it’s due to contract negotiations between the team and its standout defensive lineman.
“He has made it clear that he feels his play is deserving of a contract,” McDaniel said. “We would agree, as the Miami Dolphins organization. Henceforth, we are in negotiations. As a result, he hasn’t been participating in team.”
Wilkins is on the final year of his rookie contract, set to play in 2023 on his fifth-year option figure of $10.75 million. He wants a long-term deal after watching a slew of other talented defensive tackles across the league get contracts this offseason.
“I’m comfortable with the situation as it stands,” McDaniel said. “Christian and I are in constant communication, and this is part of the business that a lot of teams are dealing with.”
In injury news, McDaniel said he’s holding wide receiver Jaylen Waddle out of joint practices against the Texans as he continues to recover from his midsection injury. The coach said he’s protecting Waddle from himself as he was eager to participate in his hometown of Houston.
McDaniel said the team is taking it day to day with cornerbacks Cam Smith and Kader Kohou and not looking for them to take competitive reps Wednesday.
McDaniel said Liam Eichenberg, who is competing for the left guard position, will be limited in joint practices with Texans, as he’s dealing with a nagging undisclosed injury.
McDaniel was asked about running back Dalvin Cook signing with the New York Jets.
“I’m very happy with our running back group,” he said. “There’s been a bunch of development from already-talented guys.”