ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: A Miami Dolphins helmet at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
In a stunning move, the Miami Dolphins have decided to let the MVP of their defense walk to free agency.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins have decided not to place the franchise tag on star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. This means the 2019 first-round pick will be free to enter free agency when the market opens up next Wednesday:

The move is surprising for two reasons. One, it means Miami is fine letting Wilkins leave when the franchise tag would allow them to keep him under team control for at least another year.

Secondly? Even if Miami didn’t want to extend Wilkins long-term, they could have used the franchise tag and then trade him. And a player of his caliber would have netted valuable trade compensation.

The Kansas City Chiefs, for instance, have placed the franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed. However, the team is listening to trade offers for the two-time Super Bowl champion, ensuring they won’t lose him for nothing.

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Instead, the Dolphins are taking a calculated risk in letting the star of their defense walk for nothing. As such, GM Chris Grier better have a plan up his sleeve to replace the hulking 310-pound defensive lineman.

Wilkins posted a career-high nine sacks in 2023 to go along with one forced fumble and two pass defenses. He has 20.5 sacks for his career.