Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins answer questions from readers.

Q: With so many holes on defense, do you see us trading back from the 21st pick to try and get a few more picks to try and plug in the D line and add an edge rusher? — Peter McDowell on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

That’s a possibility. The Dolphins have six picks in the draft in April — one in the first round (No. 21), one in the second round (No. 55), one in the fifth round, two in the sixth round, and one in the seventh round. The second round is loaded with quality prospects at numerous positions. 

Determining what the Dolphins target in the draft depends on their free agency choices. For example, if they re-sign defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, they’re OK at defensive line and perhaps offensive line or defensive back is more important. However, if they don’t re-sign Wilkins, the defensive line could be the No. 1 priority in the draft and trading back could make more sense.

At this point, I’d keep the No. 21 pick and bring back Wilkins.

Either way, they’ll likely need starting-caliber help on the defensive line with edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) still recovering from major injuries and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis eligible to depart via free agency.

Q: A Tua extension would be a huge mistake. Why are we even talking about an extension?? Did we not watch him down the stretch? — John Yang​ on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

I wouldn’t give quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a contract extension this offseason. I’d wait until after the season, making sure he stays healthy and making sure this team is moving forward.

The question, of course, is based on what Tagovailoa said last week. Speaking at a Pro Bowl practice on Friday, Tagovailoa was optimistic about getting a contract extension this offseason and said general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel are speaking with his representatives. 

“I believe that will happen,” Tagovailoa said of a contract extension, “but I’m going to let my agents, going to let, you know, Chris (Grier), Mike (McDaniel), let those guys talk about that and let them move forward accordingly.”

Tagovailoa will earn about $23.1 million this season on the fifth-year option of his contract. A market-value multi-year contract would probably get him around $50 million a year while a team-friendly deal would get him around $40 million a year.

Tagovailoa has no reason to take a team-friendly deal. If he hits the open market, he’ll get good money.

The Dolphins have no reason to pay Tagovailoa big money right now. They can place the franchise tag on him for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The problem with that is he’ll chew up such a large part of the salary cap it’d be tough to make significant improvements to the roster.

Another thing to consider is that McDaniel and Grier could look like hypocrites for not extending Tagovailoa after excitedly praising him for two consecutive years.

It’s a multi-sided situation. But I’d wait on the extension. I need to see more from Tagovailoa in clutch situations and against quality opponents.

Q: Sounds like a couple old men shaking their fists at the kids on their lawn to me — Phil Montgomery​ on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

You’re right. But it’s worth considering.

This is in reference to Ron Jaworski, the former NFL quarterback/analyst. He basically remarked on a Philadelphia radio station that former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a friend, tried to get Dolphins players to stop partying on South Beach and focus on football but he was unsuccessful. Public sentiment is that Fangio had told that to Jaworski, and now that Fangio has left the Dolphins in a mutual agreement, Jaworski felt free to publicize the storyline.

I’m intrigued because the defense, playing under Fangio’s system, which was new to them, struggled a bit early, when they didn’t have All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Then the defense hit its stride and rose to No. 4 in the league.

Then injuries struck and the defense ended the season at No. 10, including a costly failure against Tennessee when it allowed 15 points in the four minutes of a 28-27 loss.

On the other hand, the injury-shortened defense held Dallas to 21 points in a 22-21 win, and an even more injury-reduced defense held Buffalo to 14 points in a 21-14 loss.

At a quick glance, I’m not exactly sure where the alleged partying held the defense back … except it seemed when the defense messed up, especially late in the season, it was due to mental errors and poor communication more than physical miscues. 

Largely for that reason, I won’t totally discount Jaworski’s words.

Q: ​I don’t see how we can resign everyone and improve this team. We need to pray to get more draft picks and trade down. — David Lazar on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

We talked about trading down earlier, so I’ll take the first part of the comment, the re-signing everyone part.

You’re right that the Dolphins can’t re-sign everyone and improve. They’ve got to prioritize and make tough decisions.

For example, right guard Rob Hunt is one of my favorites in the locker room and he’s a high-quality player. But I probably wouldn’t re-sign him. He’s too expensive at a position of relatively little importance. I’d rather spend that money on a cornerback, edge rusher or wide receiver.

I’d re-sign linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. He’s relatively cheap and they’ll need edge rushers. 

On the big-ticket items, I’ve already said I’d re-sign Wilkins and keep cornerback Xavien Howard (hopefully at a number lower than his current $25.9 million salary cap charge) and I wouldn’t sign Tagovailoa to a multi-year extension.

That’s where I’d start my offseason/free agency pursuits.

Q: Grier screwed up so bad trading for Armstead — Pete’s Takes on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

I still like the Dolphins signing left tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year, $75 million contract in 2022. 

The Dolphins are in “win-now” mode and Armstead, although he’s breaking down and contemplating retirement, has made the Pro Bowl both years he’s been with the Dolphins.

It’s been a successful signing.

Dealing with Armstead, who will be 33 years old and in his 12th season in 2024, moving forward is delicate. I think he’s got about 10 starts left. The Dolphins need a backup plan, probably an older veteran free agent from the mold of tackles Brandon Shell (2022) or Kendall Lamm (2023). 

But I have a lot of respect for Armstead. Somehow the guy plays at a Pro Bowl level while nursing three or four injuries.

Q: ​Love Christian Wilkins but ask ourselves are we a defensive tackle away from a deep playoff run or Super Bowl? I have been really torn the last few weeks. I say no — nupe942001 on Dolphins Deep Dive w/Perk

This is in reference to a Wilkins contract extension. I favor bringing Wilkins back whether it’s with a multi-year deal or a franchise tag. He’s essential personnel.

Wilkins is a high-energy, high-quality player who has tremendous work ethic. He sets a great example.

And he produces.

Team Wilkins with fellow defensive lineman Zach Sieler and you have something special up front, as the Dolphins have seen.

No, it’s not the same as having a pair of special edge rushers or a pair of special cornerbacks, but it’s a good start to having a strong defense.

The Dolphins are still in “win-now” mode and there’s no way I’d let Wilkins escape at this point.