Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. goes from Dolphins to Saints in free agency
Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr.’s time with the Miami Dolphins is over after two seasons.
He is bound for the New Orleans Saints in free agency, according to an ESPN report Thursday night.
Wilson, coming off a career year in 2021 with the Dallas Cowboys, was supposed to be an impact free agent signing for the Dolphins in the 2022 offseason to be a No. 2 wide receiver with Jaylen Waddle. But a week after signing, the Dolphins pulled off the blockbuster trade for star wideout Tyreek Hill.
It altered his role significantly in Miami after agreeing to a three-year, $22 million contract that was later reworked in order to free him off the books a year early.
Wilson had 12 receptions for 136 yards in 2022 for the Dolphins and 22 catches for 296 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. The 34-432-3 stat line in the two seasons combined were less than he compiled in 2021 for Dallas before getting his deal (45-602-6).
In the midst of a disappointing first season in Miami, he began to contribute as a punt return, a role that was also stripped of him in 2023 when the Dolphins added Braxton Berrios.
Wilson’s receiving yards last season, nonetheless, made him the team’s third leading wide receiver — well behind Hill and Waddle — and fourth-leading pass-catcher overall. Tight end Durham Smythe had a higher receiving output.
With such a dropoff after Miami’s elite receiving duo, the Dolphins are in search of a No. 3 wide receiver this offseason. Tight end Jonnu Smith was also added as a pass-catcher to pair with Smythe at the position for a team that didn’t get a touchdown from a tight end in 2023.
The Dolphins also have Berrios, River Cracraft, Chase Claypool and Robbie Chosen as free agents this offseason. They return 2022 fourth-round draft pick Erik Ezukanma, have Anthony Schwartz and Braylon Sanders, practice squad players in 2023, on board and signed Matthew Sexton early in the offseason to compete for a roster spot.
