The Miami Dolphins are navigating the complexities of the compensatory draft pick system following the departure of Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders. While Wilkins' lucrative four-year, $112 million contract initially suggested the Dolphins would receive a third-round compensatory pick, his limited playing time due to injury could complicate matters. Wilkins has only participated in five games this season after being placed on injured reserve in October, which may impact his status as a 'qualifying free agent' under the NFL's intricate compensatory pick formula.
The compensatory draft system, outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, takes into account various factors including Average Yearly Compensation (AYC) and the percentage of plays a player participates in. Despite his injury, Wilkins' substantial salary may still secure the Dolphins a third-round pick, as the final determination will not be made until March 2024. Alongside Wilkins, the Dolphins are set to receive additional compensatory picks for other players lost in free agency, including a seventh-round selection for safety DeShon Elliott.
The Dolphins' compensatory pick strategy has been shaped by the players they lost and the contracts they signed. While Wilkins' absence has raised concerns among fans, the potential for a compensatory pick offers a silver lining. The franchise previously benefited from compensatory picks in 2017, highlighting the ongoing significance of this system in roster management and future planning.
