Christian Wilkins' latest tweet should get Jaguars fans excited [updated]
The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't many changes to the offensive lines, besides possibly signing Mitch Morse. However, their defensive trenches could be a whole different deal. Just days before the start of free agency, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who's set to hit the open market, posted a message on social media that should make Jags fans happy.
Update: It was a parody account, not the real Christian Wilkins making the post.
Wilkins took to Twitter to post a GIF of the Jaguars' locker room with the caption Duval. It shows Trevor Lawrence's locker with/and without luggage.
Wilkins also posted a picture of the goalpost at Miller Electric Center, writing that it's much better than the one the Miami Dolphins have.
The Dolphins aren't expected to retain Wilkins, so it's reasonable to think that he's expressing a preference ahead of free agency. A first-round pick in 2019, he's routinely been one of Miami's top defenders the past five seasons, but it wasn't until 2023 when he really hit his stride, registering a career-best nine sacks, along with a forced fumble. Similarly, his 58 total pressures were nearly double from the year prior (30).
Wilkins is No. 7 in Pro Football Focus' list of 200 players set to hit the open market. But with free agency, quickly approaching some of the players ahead of him have either re-signed with their current team (Justin Madubuike) or gotten the franchise tag (Josh Allen, Tee Higgins, Brian Burns), making him more like the third best.
Why the Jaguars could sign Christian Wilkins in free agency
Christian Wilkins could be a fit for the Jaguars in free agency for a couple of reasons. For starters, he's good friends with Trevor Lawrence dating back to their days at Clemson. Players usually gravitate toward their collegiate teammates and Wilkins isn't any different. Also, Jacksonville has a need on the interior defensive line after releasing Folorunso Fatukasi in a cap-saving move.
Last but not least, the Jags have the cap space to make a run for Wilkins in free agency. Sitting at $19 million after re-signing a few players and tagging Josh Allen, they could create upwards of $40 million if they made a few moves, such as getting an extension done with Allen.
When you take into account that the team's brass is bringing back several players to address the offensive line, either cornerback or the defensive front seems like logical position groups to get upgrades, and there won't be a better player available than Wilkins in free agency.
Now, signing Wilkins won't be cheap. He won't be taking any kind of discount just because he likes Jacksonville or knows Trevor Lawrence. Justin Madubuike just signed a four-year deal worth $98 million. It wouldn't be shocking if Wilkins asks for that amount. If/when he hits the open market, he'll have teams lined up willing to meet his contract demands. This is to say that the Jaguars will need to fork out a significant amount of coin if they want to make a run for Wilkins.
Locking up Christian Wilkins would be a huge move for the Jacksonville Jaguars. And based on his Twitter post, it looks like wouldn't be opposed to signing with them in free agency. It will be interesting to see how interested both parties are in getting a deal done.