The Chicago Bears are being heavily linked to Miami Dolphins free-agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier decided not to apply the franchise tag to Wilkins, who is now expected to reach the open market when the legal tampering period opens on Monday.
Development out of Indy: Several league sources expect #Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins to avoid franchise tag. Miami source says keeping options open, but teams bracing for star DT to hit free agency.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2024
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General manager Ryan Poles should enter the market for an interior difference maker. The Bears recorded a 30th-ranked 30.0 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. Defensive tackle Justin Jones led all Bears defensive tackles in sacks with a mere 4.5 quarterback takedowns. Jones played out the season on an expiring contract, and re-signing him shouldn't be a priority.
A bigger pass-rushing threat up the middle could further unlock the threat of having Montez Sweat on the edge. The Bears can't yet rely on sophomore tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to be that guy.
Wilkins' market is expected to be robust with potential suitors, but Poles possesses the financial flexibility required to aggressively pursue his signature. Poles is entering free agency with approximately $57.5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. The Bears arguably need a game-changing defensive tackle like Wilkins more than any other team in the league.
Several defensive tackles have reset the position's market in recent offseasons. Many of those talents were drafted alongside Wilkins during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Quinnen Williams signed a four-year extension worth $96 million with the New York Jets. Jeffery Simmons signed a four-year deal worth $94 million in Tennessee. Dexter Lawrence signed a four-year extension worth $87.5 million.
Wilkins should be searching for something similar after recording a career-high 9.0 sacks in 2023. A four-year extension worth $90 million feels appropriate for Wilkins. The former Clemson standout would earn $22.5 million annually, matching Da'Ron Payne as the fourth-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league.
Wilkins is well-positioned to command $20-plus million annually after establishing himself as an elite interior pass rusher throughout a successful 2023 campaign. Are the Bears willing to pony up approximately $90 million in total value to sign Wilkins? They should be.