It's time. It's clear. For the Dolphins to pay Christian Wilkins. Pay the man. | Schad

MIAMI GARDENS — Once Vic Fangio said publicly that Christian Wilkins is one of the best players in the NFL, it was over. Pay the man.

"That's definitely a lot of high praise, because coach Fangio is not just throwing out compliments like that," Wilkins said after Saturday's Dolphins scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium.

Fangio has coached for 41 years, 33 in the NFL. He knows what a dominant defensive tackle is supposed to look like. It's Wilkins. Pay the man.

Once Mike McDaniel said Wilkins embodies everything he wants in a Dolphins player, it was over.

Once Wilkins' teammates said Wilkins is the best they've seen play the position ...

Once Wilkins absolutely dominated Dolphins spring and summer practices as the best player on the field ...

It was over. Pay the man. And you have to think the Dolphins will.

No, it's not ideal to pay a defensive tackle $21 million a season or more.

But that's the going rate.

"I definitely feel like I've done enough and, you know, done a lot to earn a new deal and a new contract," said Wilkins, who never, ever, ever wants to speak publicly about his contract.

Wilkins spoke with reporters for the first time in 74 days. He's an affable fellow. But he clearly was avoiding talking contract. So his comments Saturday were likely calculated and premeasured.

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"I'm just focusing on ball and improving every day," Wilkins said, adding, and this is the key part, "And just giving my all to this organization. Hopefully, they'll give their all back to me."

For Wilkins, that's Terrell Owens-Tyreek Hill-Jalen Ramsey talk.

Yes, Miami could allow Wilkins to finish out his fifth-year option and then franchise-tag him in 2024.

Yes, defensive tackle is generally not as impactful a position as quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher and cornerback.

And yes, Wilkins has not been a top sack artist early in his career.

But his tackles for loss have increased each season. And he's going to set a career high in sacks this season.

Write it down. In marker, not pencil.

Christian Wilkins is dominant, dynamic, relentless

"Man, he's dominant player," Dolphins guard/tackle Isaiah Wynn said Saturday. "I mean, he's quick off the ball. He's intuitive and he has good hands. He's a dynamic pass-rusher and run-stopper."

Added guard Rob Jones: "Christian is a hard worker. He talks a lot (on the field). But he's earned the right. He makes everyone better on every down. Great leader. Great teammate. Works hard no matter what. Never takes a play off."

Fangio cited Wilkins' talent and work ethic.

McDaniel cites how the team relies on Wilkins' relentless, positive energy.

Wilkins was the first pick of the Chris Grier reload era.

Grier got it right. Big time.

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Wilkins says he wants to set the tone, be a spark, and be a light.

He is, on and off the field.

If Miami does not pay Wilkins now, the Dolphins will have to pay more for a deal in 2024, without question.

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He shows up for practice, and practices hard, despite entering the final year of a contract without the guarantee of a long-term deal.

In the coming weeks, that should change. Wilkins is an important part of the Dolphins' future.

Pay the man.

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at.jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instaram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Christian Wilkins is right. He deserves a new long-term contract from Dolphins.