Cedrick Wilson landing spots: Top 3 teams that should target Dolphins WR in 2023
The Miami Dolphins signed former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. last off-season to a three-year, $22.8 million deal.
The deal came after Wilson Jr. set career-highs in 2021 with Dallas, recording 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns.
After a season in Miami, the Dolphins seem regretful of the deal, as they look to trade Wilson Jr.
As per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are open to trading Wilson Jr. due to his cap hit this season, but would also be OK with him still on the roster.
“The Dolphins could trade Wilson this offseason to reduce his cap hit from $8 million to $2 million or $1 million, depending on the timing of the trade. They’re open to that, but they’re also OK with having him on the team, according to an involved source.
“But cutting him wouldn’t make sense; $5 million of his $7 million salary is guaranteed, and his cap hit would drop only from $8 million to $6 million if he’s cut after June 1, and to $7 million if cut before."
So, if Cedrick Wilson Jr. is going to be traded, which teams should be interested in acquiring him?
If a trade were to happen, the Miami Dolphins would likely have to take on some of Cedrick Wilson Jr.'s cap hit. He's due $8 million this season and $8.3 million next season, and if Miami were to trade him, they'd likely have to take on a few million themselves to lower his cap on a new team.
It is also to be remembered that a trade may not happen due to Wilson Jr.'s lack of production in 2022 that saw him record only 12 catches for 136 yards.
Here are three teams that could potentially take a flier on Wilson Jr.
#1 - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears entered free agency with the most cap space and still have the most cap space at $38.5 million. They've helped out Justin Fields this off-season by acquiring WR DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers as they traded the number one overall pick in the draft.
Adding Wilson Jr. would give Fields another target that can help develop him. Wilson Jr. could be a solid number two or number three receiver there, along with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool.
#2 - Baltimore Ravens
If the Baltimore Ravens want to try to retain Lamar Jackson, they need to continue adding playmakers that can help him out. They've signed one free agent in the off-season in wide receiver Nelson Agholor, but need more targets at wide receiver.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. could quickly make an impact in the Ravens' receiving group as they lack playmakers. The Ravens WR room currently consists of Agholor, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche, Tylan Wallace, Andy Isabella, Mike Thomas, and Shemar Bridges.
#3 - Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons, like the Ravens and Bears, are one of the most WR-needy teams in the NFL. They have addressed that need already this off-season by signing free agents Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller.
They drafted rookie wideout Drake London last year, who finished with 72 receptions, 866 yards, and four touchdowns. Wilson Jr. could become the number two receiver in Atlanta's system and would be another target to help develop second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.
If Cedrick Wilson Jr. is traded, who do you think he will be traded to?