Las Vegas Raiders just saved themselves a ton of money by doing what no one saw coming with one of their best players
The saga has been going on all offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Some reporters were saying before the 2025 NFL Draft that Wilkins was still in a boot, and the new regime would express interest in drafting a defensive tackle high in the draft. Obviously, they drafted Ashton Jeanty […]
The saga has been going on all offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Some reporters were saying before the 2025 NFL Draft that Wilkins was still in a boot, and the new regime would express interest in drafting a defensive tackle high in the draft. Obviously, they drafted Ashton Jeanty and then two defensive tackles on days two and three. So, that report was somewhat false.
Then, Wilkins was seen at minicamp, but his feet weren't shown; however, he was shown in pictures outside in a jersey, where it looked like he was participating. Come to find out, Wilkins was still injured and very much still in a boot. Just before training camp, the Raiders placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
From there, we have all been thinking that it was possible he gets healthy before week one, or he stays on the PUP list and misses the first four games of the season at most.
Now, it seems like he's going to miss the entire season with the Raiders, but not because of the injury, but because of some of the more shocking news we have had in the NFL in some time now.
Raiders release DT Christian Wilkins
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Raiders are releasing Wilkins. Due to how Wilkins treated his rehab, meaning the team wanted him to get surgery on his foot, and he didn't, the Raiders have voided the remaining $35 million of guaranteed money left on Wilkins' contract.
Rapoport also reported that the team gave Wilkins several different medical opinions, and Wilkins rejected those and chose to rehab the foot instead. Rapoport went on to report that there has been some pretty heavy discourse between the two sides this offseason.
This is obviously going to save the Raiders a ton of money, but it's coming by way of getting rid of their second-best defensive player. I mean, sure, if he's not healthy, then it doesn't matter how good he is. But it's now a spot the Raiders have to fill regardless.
With Tonka Hemingway and J.J. Pegues being drafted in this last draft, the two rookies will have a huge chance to step up and show what they are made of. Then, there is Jonah Laulu, who Maxx Crosby just said on Wednesday is going to be a special player, but he just doesn't know it yet.
Wilkins finished his Raiders career with two sacks and 17 tackles in five total games.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby just accidentally put a ton of pressure on the front office
The Raiders do need a quarterback.
