Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins not using contract for motivation

MIAMI — Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins doesn’t need any extra motivation.

Wilkins enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2023 with interest from both sides in a contract extension. Spring practices came and went without an agreement, but Wilkins was present and effective each day, even earning the Dolphins' coveted orange jersey during mandatory minicamp on June 7 as the previous day's practice MVP.

Even as defensive tackles throughout the league have signed extensions -- the Tennessee Titans' Jeffery Simmons, Buffalo Bills' Ed Oliver and the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence -- Wilkins said he will let his agent handle contract discussions. The deals he has seen…