Despite signing a long-term deal with the team last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from defensive tackle Christian Wilkins as the roster’s latest release. According to the breaking news, the Raiders were hoping that Wilkins would return in time this 2025 campaign, but he’s been nursing a knee injury from last year. The Raiders voided all of Wilkins’ guaranteed money in his contract, but the defensive tackle filed a grievance with the NFLPA, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens in that realm. Originally selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product spent the first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, establishing himself as a top-tier defensive lineman in 2023 after recording a career-high nine sacks.
It’s hard to imagine that any team will want to sign him unless they’re willing to wait until he comes back to full health. Despite that, Wilkins is still a reliable talent since he was able to produce 17 tackles, two sacks and six quarterback hits before suffering his season-ending injury. Although the defensive tackle was going to be a significant piece alongside Maxx Crosby, health was an issue for the Raiders, and it was better for them to move on. Wilkins might have to settle for a one-year minimum, but these four teams could jump ship and sign him immediately.
Shocking: Raiders Release Top Star Christian Wilkins; 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens arguably have one of the weakest trench units in the league, other than Nnamdi Madubuike. Between recently acquired John Jenkins and Travis Jones, the Ravens are better off getting a major upgrade. The team bringing back Yannick Ngakoue last year was proof that they need help in the defensive front. Baltimore will have to wait, but Wilkins should be back before the playoffs, at least to be a viable replacement since Michael Pierce’s retirement.
Detroit Lions
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are getting hit with an injury bug again this offseason after losing Levi Onwuzurike for the 2025 campaign. Even though Za’Darius Smith is still available in free agency, the Lions might benefit from a fresh start in the defensive front. Aidan Hutchinson is coming back from a gruesome injury himself, and just like Wilkins, he could be a capable athlete in this defense if he can stay healthy.
Washington Commanders
After investing in the defense this offseason, the Washington Commanders could use another upgrade in the trenches despite signing Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. to replace Dante Fowler Jr. and Jonathan Allen. Even though they’re making moves, there’s no guarantee that Kinlaw will perform up to standards since he was arguably one of the worst free agent signings for Washington. Wilkins is the clear upgrade in this situation to bring the Commanders back to the Super Bowl with one of the NFC’s dangerous defenses if he can stay 100%.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches, but they don’t have enough talent to pull off what they’re looking for. Da’Shawn Hand and Teair Tart won’t take the team to their Super Bowl aspirations, but if they can figure out a way to sign Wilkins, they should take the chance. He won’t be healthy for a couple of weeks, but Wilkins could be a reliable threat on the defensive front.
