The NFL playoffs run for the Miami Dolphins came to a quick close after a 26-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday night. With the season over, former Clemson Tiger Christian Wilkins reflected as free agency approaches.
Wilkins has reached the end of his rookie contract while also completing his best season in the NFL. He finished with 65 total tackles, nine sacks and proved to be a cornerstone of Miami’s defensive future.
Following the game, Wilkins reacted to the loss and gave perspective on his focus after a tough end to the year, as reported by the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones.
Christian Wilkins has been focusing on the season, while he has a big offseason of contract talks ahead of him. That process hasn’t started for him. pic.twitter.com/DvUAqu3OGr
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 14, 2024
“I definitely love this team, love this organization. This is home, this is who drafted me and everything like that but we’ll see what happens down the road. I don’t want to make this about me, I just want to focus on the team that we had and our last time this year with the guys,” Wilkins said.
This moment is more important for Wilkins than the contract thoughts as he noted that he just wants to “hug his guys” after a bitter end.
After cementing his place as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, a key contract negotiation still approaches for Wilkins, whether it be in Miami or with a new suitor this summer.