Why Dolphins can’t get compensatory pick for Cedrick Wilson Jr. signing with Saints
The second player from the Dolphins’ 2023 offense has departed, with wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. reaching an agreement with the New Orleans Saints on a two-year deal, ESPN reported Thursday.
While Miami is set to receive multiple compensatory picks in 2025 for the loss of several free agents, Wilson won’t count toward that calculation. This is because the NFL doesn’t allow players whose contracts were voided to be considered in the compensatory pick formula.
Wilson, who originally signed a three-year, $22 million deal with the Dolphins in the 2022 offseason, reworked his deal last August and replaced the final year of the deal with a void year, a placeholder year that does not extend the contract. This allowed Wilson to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
With the Dolphins’ trade for Tyreek Hill just days after signing Wilson and the emergence of Trent Sherfield, Wilson fell down the depth chart in the 2022 season. He caught 12 passes — his fewest since 2019 — but found a role as a punt returner.
Last April, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier acknowledged that teams called about trading for Wilson.
In 2023, Wilson ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards (296) and tied for third with three touchdown catches.
Wilson joins right guard Robert Hunt (Carolina Panthers) as Dolphins offensive players who have left in free agency. Miami needs to add wide receiver depth with River Cracraft, Braxton Berrios, Chase Claypool and Robbie Chosen all unrestricted free agents.
Aside from Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the only other wide receivers under contract for the 2024 season are Erik Ezukanma, Braylon Sanders, Anthony Schwartz and Matthew Sexton, who have a combined 17 career catches.
This story may be updated.
This story was originally published March 14, 2024 at 9:42 PM.
