Two Christians: Patriots Interested in Dolphins' Free Agent Defensive Tackle?

In a move that could fortify an already strong run defense, the New England Patriots could be pairing Christian Barmore with Miami Dolphins' free agent Christian Wilkins in the interior line.

New England Patriots' defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington says there won't be many schematic changes coming to his unit this season. But what about dramatic upgrades in the players who play those schemes?

According to NFL Network the Miami Dolphins are choosing not to place the franchise tag on elite defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a move that will allow him to test the free agency market in two weeks. Wilkins, 28, hasn't missed a game the last three seasons and in 2023 recorded a career-high nine sacks as an interior lineman.

He is now expected to be one of the NFL's most coveted free agents. His contract could reach the $22 million range signed in recent years by the New York Jets' Quinnen Williams, the Tennessee Titans' Jeffrey Simmons and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants.

Wilkins is more of a penetrator than a traditional space-eater long preferred by the Patriots. But Covington and new head coach Jerod Mayo have the salary cap room to add one of the league's best run-stuffers.

The Patriots are likely giving serious thought to anchoring their defensive line with two Christians: Barmore and Wilkins.  

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New England's ranked fourth in the NFL against the run last season and most of its offseason will be spent upgrading a woeful offense. But Wilkins could make a good defense into an elite one.

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