The departure of Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency left a palpable void among Miami Dolphins fans and, perhaps more acutely, within the heart of his teammate and close friend, Zach Sieler. In a move that underscored the harsh realities of the NFL’s salary cap constraints, the Dolphins re-signed Sieler but at the cost of losing Wilkins, a key defensive player whose new deal with the Raiders could earn him up to $110 million.
While the sticker shock of Wilkins’ contract softened some of the blow for Dolphins supporters, the personal connections within the team painted a picture of mixed emotions. Sieler, in particular, found joy in his best friend and his child’s godfather securing a deserved payday, yet the reality of competing against Wilkins in the upcoming season looms large.
Christian Wilkins is set to make his anticipated return to Hard Rock Stadium in Week 11 as a Raider, marking a peculiar homecoming for the defensive standout. The reaction from the Dolphins faithful and the dynamic between Wilkins and his former Miami cohorts, particularly quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, will be among the intriguing subplots when the Raiders visit.
Wilkins, known for his competitive edge and playful smack talk, will likely engage in friendly banter with Tagovailoa, highlighting the deep mutual respect between the former teammates. Another heartwarming moment to anticipate will be the post-game jersey swap between Sieler and Wilkins, a testament to their enduring friendship.
In a parallel storyline, former Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, having signed with the Seattle Seahawks ahead of free agency, will also find himself facing his old team. The Dolphins’ decision to let Baker walk led them to sign Jordyn Brooks from the Seahawks, setting up an early reunion with their former teammate in Week 3 when Miami visits Seattle. Both Baker and Brooks will have their chance to prove their worth against their former teams, adding layers of personal competition to the upcoming NFL season.