The Arizona Cardinals require significant reinforcements on their roster as they approach 2024, and the addition of a certain free-agent defensive lineman has the potential to greatly influence their performance.
Christian Wilkins, the defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins, is poised to become a free agent during the upcoming offseason after being with the team for his entire five-year career. Since joining Miami as a first-round pick in 2019, Wilkins has been a consistent player, participating in every game over the past three seasons and accumulating 355 tackles. Additionally, his impressive nine sacks in 2023 would have been the highest for the Cardinals in the previous season.
After facing challenges on defense last season due to the departure of key players, the Arizona Cardinals are optimistic about utilizing their substantial budget wisely in the upcoming months. Evaluating the impending offseason for each team, Bleacher Report identified Wilkins as the Cardinals’ primary focus in free agency.
Matt Holder stated that the Cardinals faced a setback in their defense when J.J. Watt retired and Zach Allen joined the Broncos, as they lost their two starting defensive tackles from the previous offseason. The team did not address this issue by signing replacements in free agency or using a high draft pick. Holder also noted that several other players playing in that position are currently unrestricted free agents.
Wilkins, who recently turned 28 and is considered a well-rounded player, will be among the top defensive linemen on the open market. Pro Football Focus has given him solid ratings as both a run defender and pass rusher. Additionally, his age aligns with the younger lineup being developed in Arizona.
After allowing an average of 26.8 points per game, the Cardinals had one of the league’s highest defensive point totals last season. Additionally, they had the lowest third-down conversion rate at 47.3% and struggled to defend against the running game, allowing a league-worst 143.2 yards per game on the ground.
Wilkins was ranked 15th among defensive interior players in terms of run defense by Pro Football Focus, and his overall performance at his position was graded as the 23rd best. However, Spotrac estimates that acquiring him could be expensive, with his market value set at $20.2 million annually.
The Cardinals have an estimated $60 million available in their budget for 2024, meaning they can spend a significant amount if they choose to do so.
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