The Miami Dolphins overhauled their offense during the 2022 offseason, surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a better supporting cast. One year later, Miami is ready to part ways with one of its top free-agency signings.
Coming off a productive season with the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson looked to Miami hoping to play an expanded role. He set career-highs in targets (61), receptions (45), receiving yards (602) and touchdowns (six) in 2021. Thanks to the breakout season, the Dolphins signed him for $22 million with $12.75 million guaranteed at signing.
- Cedrick Wilson stats (2022): 12 receptions, 136 receiving yards, 11.3 yards per catch
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While Miami’s offense improved significantly, Wilson wasn’t a part of the success. Despite being one of the highest-paid receivers on the roster, the 6-foot-2 receiver finished ninth in targets. By the end of the regular season, the Dolphins passing attack relied more on fullback Alec Ingold (15 receptions) and tight end Durham Smythe (15 receptions).
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are now open to trading Wilson just a year after signing him to a lucrative three-year contract. If Miami trades him with a post-June 1 designation, it would create $7 million in cap space.
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Before landing in Miami, Wilson was an emerging receiving threat. The Boise State alum finished the 2021 season ranked 36th in route win rate (41.4 percent), 17th in target separation vs man coverage (1.91 yards) and ninth in yards per target (9.9), per PlayerProfiler.com.
- Cedrick Wilson contract: $8 million cap hit (’23), $7.3 million cap savings if released in ’24
However, Wilson became expendable this offseason with Miami adding former New York Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios. The Dolphins could also look to take advantage of the depth at wide receiver in the 2023 draft class to further strengthen the position.
Identifying the best Cedrick Wilson trade landing spots
Miami reportedly doesn’t plan to cut Wilson, especially considering there would be reduced cap savings compared to finding a trade partner. Based on his production in 2021, it’s. reasonable to think a few teams would have an interest in acquiring him. Below, we’ve identified three potential fits for Wilson.
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Dallas Cowboys
Wilson was a perfect fit in Dallas, providing depth at receiver and stepping into a more prominent role when the team needed it. While the Cowboys already acquired Brandin Cooks this offseason, a recent visit with Laquon Treadwell demonstrates the front office still wants to improve its receiving corps. It would be relatively affordable to acquire Wilson and. he could slide in as a trusted No. 4 receiver behind Cooks, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
Buffalo Bills
After making big splashes last offseason, the Buffalo Bills have taken a different approach this spring. With more limited caps space, Buffalo made marginal additions with players that can fill specific roles next season. Instead of drafting a wide receiver, the Bills could go for Wilson. He would reunite with Adam Henry, the Cowboys’ receivers coach from 2020-’21.
Carolina Panthers
Even after signing Adam Thielen and DJ Cark, the Carolina Panthers need more help at wide receiver. They have the cap space to absorb Wilson and could offer him a more prominent role in their passing attack. Given the Dolphins’ willingness to trade him, it might only cost Carolina a late-round pick in 2024.
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