Christian Wilkins: Should the Dolphins Consider a Reunion?

Christian Wilkins: Should the Dolphins Consider a Reunion?

Christian Wilkins began his Miami Dolphins career with a bang — famously jumping on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on draft night — and brought tremendous energy and production to the team. Wilkins formed a formidable duo with Zach Sieler, earning the nickname “Salt and Pepper.”

In his 2023 “contract year” with the Dolphins, Wilkins delivered his best season yet: 9 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, and 65 total tackles. Despite this, Miami chose to let him walk in free agency, and he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a four-year, $110 million deal. Unfortunately, Wilkins suffered a season-ending foot injury last year and was recently released by the Raiders in a surprising move.

Now, some Dolphins fans would love to see a reunion — but should the Dolphins entertain it, and more importantly, can they?

Why Was Christian Wilkins Released by the Raiders?

Wilkins was released by the Raiders due to a dispute over his rehabilitation from a Jones fracture in his left foot, suffered in Week 5 of the 2024 season. The Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money on his contract, claiming Wilkins failed to maintain his physical condition — specifically citing his refusal to undergo a recommended second surgery.

Wilkins has since filed a grievance with the NFLPA to contest the voiding of his guarantees. If he wins, he could recoup some or all of the $35.2 million (per Adam Schefter).

Should the Dolphins Consider a Reunion?

Reasons to Consider It

1. Past Performance and Chemistry
Wilkins was a standout for Miami from 2019–2023 and his “Salt and Pepper” duo with Zach Sieler anchored the defensive line. His familiarity with the team and locker room culture could make his return smooth and productive. Wilkins is one of the highest energy guys I have ever seen and is a great locker room guy.

2. Potential Cost Efficiency
If Wilkins wins his grievance, he may already secure his guaranteed money from the Raiders, making him more likely to accept a short-term, lower-cost deal. This could be a rare chance to add a proven veteran without breaking the bank.

3. Immediate Impact
When healthy which he was his whole tenure as a Dolphin, Wilkins is an elite run-stopper and disruptive interior pass rusher — a valuable asset for any playoff push.

Reasons to Avoid It

1. Youth Movement and Roster Direction
Miami has clearly shifted to a younger core, parting ways with veterans like Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, Raheem Mostert, Terron Armstead (retired), and Calais Campbell. Wilkins, turning 30 in December 2025, doesn’t fit this plan. Young talents like Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers offer long-term upside at a lower cost and need snaps to develop.

2. Injury Concerns
Wilkins’ Jones fracture, rehab setbacks, and refusal to undergo a second surgery raise red flags. His recovery timeline remains uncertain.

3. Financial Implications
Even on a “discount,” Wilkins could strain the Dolphins’ salary cap, especially with Zach Sieler due for an extension and other defensive commitments. If Wilkins loses his grievance, he may push for a bigger deal to make up lost money.

4. Positional Priorities
Defensive tackle is not a top need for Miami right now. The bigger concern is cornerback, where Kendall Fuller and Jalen Ramsey’s departure left a glaring hole. Limited resources should be allocated to higher-priority positions.

5. Contract Dispute Uncertainty
Until Wilkins’ grievance is resolved, any deal carries legal and financial unknowns. That risk is unnecessary for a team already well-stocked at the position.

Can the Dolphins Afford It?

Overthecap.com has the Dolphins with only $964,997 in cap space, which can increase with restructures.

Financially, it depends on how Wilkins’ grievance plays out and how willing he is to sign a team-friendly deal. Cap-wise, Miami would have to get creative, but the bigger question is whether it’s worth it at all.

With Sieler, Grant, Phillips, and Biggers in the fold, the Dolphins have a strong defensive tackle group at a fraction of the cost. The franchise has made clear moves toward a younger, cheaper core — Wilkins simply doesn’t fit that vision anymore.

Final Recommendation

The Dolphins should not pursue a reunion with Christian Wilkins.

His past production and fan-favorite status are undeniable, but the team’s youth-focused, cost-controlled approach should take priority. The risks — injury, financial strain, positional overlap, and locker room dynamics — outweigh the potential benefits.

Instead, the Dolphins should focus their resources on more urgent needs, like shoring up the secondary, and continue building around the promising young defensive tackle group led by Zach Sieler.