Former Longhorns OL Connor Williams Skipping Dolphins' Mandatory Minicamp
Former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Connor Williams is betting on himself for more money after a breakout season with the Miami Dolphins. To do so, he'll potentially lose a few bucks in the process.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel announced Tuesday that Williams would be absent from the team's mandatory minicamp. McDaniel said Williams' absence is not excused, but the two sides have been in communication since the start of the offseason.
The news comes as little shock to those in the building as Williams has been clear about wanting a new contract. The former second-round pick was also absent from the team's OTA practices last month, although those workouts were voluntary.
Signed to a two-year deal last offseason, Williams became one of the league's most improved players with a second position switch. Starting at tackle for the Longhorns and right guard for the Cowboys, McDaniel asked Williams to translate inside to center.
The move ended up being a blessing for both sides. Williams finished with the fourth-highest grades among centers, per Pro Football Focus. Miami's offense, primarily third-year quarterback Tua Tagoviloa, benefitted from the extra protection, watching its sack total drop from 40 to 35.
So far, Miami doesn't seem to have a contingency plan in motion. Former Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg told reporters he had taken several reps at center this spring. "The Dolphins also signed free agent Dan Feeny this offseason, though nearly all his reps have come at guard.
"I try to understand every player's perspective," McDaniel said of the situation. "I think that's part of my job is to be empathetic and to best come to a solution. So there's a bunch of things that come up. A bunch of stuff that has come up this offseason. That came up last offseason. That will come up next offseason. So that's always something that you're juggling and working with players."
It's hard to say Williams should be the highest-paid player at his position, but the numbers suggest a pay raise in order. Veteran center Jason Kelce signed a one-year $14.25 million deal this offseason to make him the highest-paid center.
Cleveland Browns Ethan Pocic, who finished third among centers, inked a new three-year extension worth $18 million. Detriot Lions Frank Ragnow, who was rated the fifth-highest grade center, signed a four-year contract extension worth $54 million in 2021. Pocic transitioned to center in 2021, thus lowering his asking practice.
For Williams, a deal around $6-to-$10 million per year likely could be realistic. Entering the final year of his current contract, the 26-year-old is owed roughly $7 million.
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