Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Dolphins Free Agents' Projected Contracts

The Miami Dolphins could lose a handful of important players on the interior during NFL free agency.

Christian Wilkins is one of the most coveted defensive free agents in the NFL, and according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he will avoid the franchise tag.

Instead of keeping Wilkins for at least another year, the Dolphins will compete with other teams on the open market for his signature.

Miami's current salary cap situation will prevent it from handing out massive contracts to all of its impending free agents.

Robert Hunt and Connor Williams could depart from the offensive line. That is even more of a possibility this offseason because the offensive line free-agent market is not as strong as previous seasons.

Christian Wilkins

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 13: Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) in the third quarter of an AFC Wild Card playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan 13, 2024 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Miami's reported decision to not use the franchise tag on Wilkins should price it out of the market for the defensive tackle.

Wilkins is arguably the best defensive free agent available this offseason. He would be a massive boost to any defense, especially ones on teams looking to make a jump in the standings in 2024.

Wilkins set career highs with nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits in 2023. He also had a double-digit tackles for loss total for the third straight season.

The Clemson product could easily jump into the top 10 earners at defensive tackle, which would come with a base salary of at least $10 million.

A team with a ton of cap space would welcome Wilkins' impact and that should lead to one of the bigger deals of the offseason.

Projection: 5 years, $85 million

Robert Hunt

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 29: Robert Hunt #68 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Robert Hunt will be one of the beneficiaries of a robust offensive guard market.

As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler pointed out, a good chunk of money will spent on the position this offseason.

"Yup, good money will be spent on guards this offseason," Fowler wrote. "So many teams need them and have targeted the position, and Detroit's Jonah Jackson, Miami's Robert Hunt, New England's Mike Onwenu and the Los Angeles Rams' Kevin Dotson are among the top options. Don't be surprised if some or all from this group command $16 million or more."

Hunt was an integral part of Miami's interior success that led to strong seasons for Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane.

Pro Football Focus ranked Hunt as the No. 27 overall free agent. Fowler listed both New York franchises, Carolina and Jacksonville as teams looking for help at guard.

Hunt could cash in on his time in Miami with a big deal elsewhere that could reach up to the $16 million mark Fowler noted.

Projection: Four years, $60 million

Connor Williams

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins blocks during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Connor Williams' free-agent situation is different than most players' negotiations this offseason.

The Dolphins center tore his ACL late in the 2023 season. That makes him a risky signing for a team looking to invest money in its offensive line.

Williams could come back to the Dolphins on a short-term deal and then test free agency at full strength next season.

Miami would love to bring back Williams on a cheaper contract because of its cap situation. The Dolphins are $28 million over the cap entering Monday, per Spotrac.

Any type of discounted deal would greatly help the Dolphins, who still have to pay Tua Tagovailoa and may choose to extend Jaylen Waddle's contract in the next 12 months.

Projection: One year, $5 million