Andrew Buller-Russ
Tua Tagovailoa has returned to health, the Miami Dolphins’ roster has improved again, and all is well for coach Mike McDaniel’s team as they begin mandatory minicamp today. Well, almost all is well.
Every player is in attendance for the start of camp. Well, every player except starting center Connor Williams.
According to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, Williams is absent, and it is not excused. The 26-year-old sixth-year pro is seeking a new contract.
Williams is currently in the final year of a two-year, $14 million contract signed with the Dolphins last March, but after starting all 17 games, he wants more long-term security before the season kicks off.
Based on the evaluation from Pro Football Focus, who had Williams graded as the fourth-best center in the NFL last season, the former second-round pick has a good case for a new deal. Over his career, Williams has started 68 of the 74 games he’s appeared in, proving his durability in the pros.
Whether the Dolphins feel they have enough room in their budget remains to be seen. Right now, Miami ranks in the middle of the pack in salary cap space according to Spotrac, and Williams isn’t likely to break the bank. In other words, if the Dolphins really wanted to prioritize an extension, finding common ground with their starting snapper shouldn’t be too difficult this summer.
Related: Tua Tagovailoa’s practice habits with Miami Dolphins could revolutionize the NFL
