Less than 24 hours after fellow receiver Allen Hurns opted-out of the 2020 season, Albert Wilson has followed suit leaving the Dolphins with somewhat of a lack of experience at WR. The 6-year veteran who signed a new one-year contract in the summer was projected as the starting slot-receiver in Chan Gailey’s new offense for 2020.
Albert Wilson said of his decision “Not an easy decision to make… I’ve decided to opt out this 2020 season. It was a very tough choice but since the day I started playing the game it’s always been Faith Family Football. Because of this crazy time I choose to put my family in the best situation I see fit.
“I will stand by my teammates and brothers to support them 100% throughout this season and will be counting the days until I can join them again, 1 love.” It is a difficult time for NFL players who are having to choose between keeping their families as safe as possible while balancing taking a year out of an already short career.
After DeVante Parker’s breakout season in 2019, he will be expected to be the number one receiver opposite second-year man Preston Williams. Williams himself had a stellar 2019 after signing as a UDFA following domestic violence issues in college. His season was cut short by a torn ACL in the 26-18 win over the New York Jets.
Williams posted an impressive stat line on an offense that struggled in the first half of the season with 32 catches for 428 yards and 3 touchdowns. For his part, Parker had 72 catches for 1,202 yards, and 9 touchdowns, all three numbers being career highs.
Albert Wilson may not see the field again as a Dolphin
While Albert Wilson’s newly signed one-year deal will carry over to 2021, he was already on a prove-it deal and with the reps now going to one of the new, younger breed of slot receivers his chances to return to the field may be narrowing. First up for more snaps will likely be Jakeem Grant who has been putting in a lot of work in the offseason.
Rookies Kirk Merritt, and Malcolm Perry will also likely see a lot more action with both having dynamic playmaking ability. While Perry was technically a QB at Navy his quickness and elusiveness make him a candidate for more of a slot receiver at the next level.
Kirk Merritt put up 1,872 yards and 19 touchdowns at Oregon and Arkansas State in college. At Arkansas State’s pro day he recorded a 4.33 40-yard time which was second among combine WR’s and 4.02 in the 20-yard-shuttle which ranked first among combine WR’s.
Albert Wilson will always be remembered for his performance against the Bears in 2018 before a hip injury forced him to land on IR ending his season and slowing him for the first part of 2019. If Wilson can get back to 100% and return to action next season he will need to prove he still has that explosiveness.
In 2019, Albert Wilson had 43 catches for 351 yards and 1 touchdown.
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