Connor Williams addresses Dolphins situation after skipping offseason program. And notes

Dolphins center Connor Williams acknowledged on Wednesday that he skipped the team’s offseason program because of dissatisfaction with his contract but said he’s at peace with the situation, even though the team has not yet given him a raise or an extension.

“Obviously, I wasn’t happy with my contract,” Williams said after the first practice of training camp. “I had contract talks all of OTAs and stuff; it was a time for business and everything. But the pads are coming on now and it’s time for football. It’s time for camp. It’s football time. No business anymore. I’m forgetting about that and moving on.”

After playing guard for four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Williams signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Dolphins 16 months ago and transitioned to center, where he thrived last season.

Pro Football Focus ranked him fourth among 40 qualifying NFL centers in 2022, including third as a run blocker. He allowed three sacks but just 15 pressures in 676 pass blocking snaps. And after committing 17 penalties at guard for the Cowboys in 2021, he committed only four at center for Miami.

Williams, who’s due to make $6.5 million this season, declined to discuss where negotiations stand. But he’s pleased to be back after missing OTAs and a mandatory minicamp in June.

“I love football, missed it, missed the teammates, missed my time here,” he said.

He also said he appreciates how coach Mike McDaniel handled his absence in May and June.

“Mike is definitely supporting me through this,” Williams said. “He’s been able to put aside coaching and everything and be human, which is really helpful along the way. I love the guy, respect him to death.”

He’s glad the Dolphins moved him to center. “I love center. I feel like it’s home, like it’s second nature, like I should have been there all along.”

Is he a top 10 center in the league? “That’s up to you all to say. I certainly don’t have doubt in my mind.”

Salaries for the top centers in football vary widely; Philadelphia’s Jason Kelce could make as much as $14.25 million this season in a one-year contract. Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey, still on a cheap rookie deal, is making $1.1 million this season.

HILL NOT CONCERNED

The Miami-Dade County state attorney’s office has closed its investigation of Tyreek Hill’s confrontation with a man at a marina and said there will not be any criminal charges filed against Hill.

Hill declined to discuss the incident other than saying it was “boneheaded mistake” and that he’s cooperating with the NFL’s ongoing investigation.

The NFL has the authority to suspend him, even though there won’t be criminal charges. Asked if he’s concerned about a suspension, Hill said “no.”

McDaniel confirmed the NFL is investigating the matter.

“In situations like that, everybody’s disappointed,” McDaniel said before the Dolphins held their first training camp practice. “The league is still looking into it. And we’re in communication with the league as we’ve been from the beginning.”

THIS AND THAT

Safety Brandon Jones practiced for the first time after tearing the ACL in his left knee in a game last October and said returning was “emotional,.. really exciting.” He’s competing with former Texas teammate DeShon Elliott - the ex-Detroit Lions starter - to start opposite Jevon Holland.

Cornerback Trill Williams also practiced for the first time since his torn ACL last August. The Dolphins previously suggested that he’s being cross-trained at safety. He has safety experience in college, and Williams said “I can play anywhere,.. whether it’s corner, safety, dime.”

WHO’S HOT

The quarterbacks, all of whom had solid days. Tua Tagovailoa had only three incomplete passes in more than a dozen attempts, and one of those was a throw-away. Most were short and intermediate throws, but he connected with Jaylen Waddle for a 40-yard gain in the middle of the field.

Defended tightly by Jevon Holland, Waddle twisted his body, leaped for the ball and bobbled it before coming down with the catch.

Skylar Thompson and Mike White also were generally sharp. Other standouts: defensive tackles Raekwon Davis and Brandon Pili (who each had tackles for loss) and running back Salvon Ahmed.

WHO’S NOT

Thompson’s intended targets, at least early on Wednesday. Three of his passes were dropped in the first hour of practice -- by Hill, Waddle and undrafted rookie tight end Julian Hill.

THURSDAY SCHEDULE

The Dolphins’ second training camp practice will begin at 10:45 p.m. in Miami Gardens; it’s closed to the public. The first practice open to fans will be on Sunday morning.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Have you seen their collective paychecks? My interest is high,” — McDaniel, when asked if he’s eager to see Hill and Waddle compete against cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey. Howard nudged Hill on one play on Wednesday, forcing an incompletion; no penalty was called.