According to Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, offensive lineman Connor Williams is not present at the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Williams is entering the final year of his contract and may be trying to leverage a new deal.
Mike McDaniel says Zach Sieler is here for mandatory camp but Connor Williams is NOT. This is not an excused absence. Connor wants a new contract. #MiamiDolphins
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) June 6, 2023
McDaniel did add that he’s been in communication with Williams, which seems like a good sign.
Connor Williams won’t be at camp.
McDaniel said he won’t discuss it because business is kept in house.
“It is not excused. We have been in communication.”
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) June 6, 2023
Williams is set to make $6.5 million in the 2023 season before potentially becoming a free agent. He signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins worth about $14 million before the 2022 season started.
The former second-round pick played in all 17 games for Miami during the 2022 regular season, starting in each of them. He also suited up for the team’s lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, meaning he didn’t miss a start all season long.
The Dolphins would presumably like to get Williams’ situation sorted out as soon as possible. The last thing they need is a sudden question mark on their offensive line with just a few months to go before the 2023 season begins.
That’s especially true given the fact that the fate of Miami’s season could hinge on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The offensive line is going to need to keep the 25-year-old upright after he dealt with concussion issues last season.
Williams is entering his sixth season at the NFL level. He began his career with the Dallas Cowboys and spent four seasons with them before joining the Dolphins.
When this coming weekend arrives, Miami’s 2023 season opener will be exactly three months away. The team will open things up on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers as part of one of the most difficult schedules in the league, per Sharp Football Analysis.
The Dolphins are looking to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
With any luck, Williams will be ready to go by the opener, which would likely make his absence from mandatory minicamp a distant memory. There’s seemingly work to be done in order for that to happen, however, and the Dolphins are going to have to find a way to make the 26-year-old happy in the meantime.
