Raiders Unexpectedly Release Defensive Tackle
The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to release their standout defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins, per Adam Schefter. This comes after a release stemmed from a dispute over Wilkins' rehab treatment for a season-ending foot injury. The raider organization alleged that Wilkins declined their recommended surgery and didn’t follow any of the medical guidance. In response, Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association. It has not been easy, but this has been a long time coming from the way everything has played out between these two parties.
Wilkins signed a four-year $110 million deal with the Raiders in March 2024, with an $84.75 million guarantee. Before the Raiders picked him up, he had a standout 2023 season with the Dolphins, in which he posted nine sacks. Wilkins was considered a steal in free agency that season. He was truly a rising star during this time, and the Raiders were looking forward to having him on their defensive line. He was showing much promise in both the training camps and the preseason.
It didn’t last for long because Wilkins suffered a fracture in his left foot at the start of the season after just appearing in five games. This defensive tackle recorded 17 tackles and two sacks before his season came to an abrupt end. Before his release, Wilkins was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of the NFL league's training camps. It also meant that he’d miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Since he did not choose to do the recommended surgery or follow any of the team's medical guidance, the contract voided out approximately $35.2 million in guaranteed salary remaining on his contract.
This abrupt split ends a very high-risk, high-reward investment in Wilkins. He was brought in to anchor the Las Vegas defensive front alongside Maxx Crosby. Without having this defensive tackle, the Raiders now face a revolving door of who is going to fill the position. They have Adam Butler, Leki Fotu, and rookies who may also be able to fill his shoes. Wilkins’ medical uncertainty and how his release is going will affect his market value in the upcoming free agency.
