Total Pro Sports
In the most stunning roster cut of the 2025 offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders have released star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders released Christian Wilkins just one year after signing him to a lucrative four-year, $110 million deal in 2024 free agency. The Raiders voided the last $35.2 million of guaranteed money on his deal because of how he handled his rehab from a foot injury, per Schefter, though Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA.
After Schefter broke the news, the Raiders issued a statement on the decision to release Wilkins. The club couldn’t help but take a bit of a shot at Wilkins, noting there was “no clear path or plan” forward:
“We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins and he has been informed of his release from the team. This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field. With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season.”
The 29-year-old Wilkins posted a career-high nine sacks with the Miami Dolphins in 2019 before signing with the Raiders. Unfortunately, a foot injury limited Wilkins to five games last season, tallying two sacks.
ESPN sources: Raiders are releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with the designation of terminated vested veteran. His time in Las Vegas is now over.
Due to how Wilkins treated the rehab from his foot injury he suffered last season, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2… pic.twitter.com/GXOGSeXz5H
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2025
Of course, new GM John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll weren’t here when the Raiders signed Wilkins. Then-GM Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce were in charge when they signed Wilkins, but both were fired after a disappointing 4-13 season.
Las Vegas also traded for Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith before using the No. 6 pick on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Sweeping changes came to Vegas early in the offseason, but Christian Wilkins’ release was certainly unexpected.
Wilkins’ tenure in Las Vegas may have ended on a bad note, but there should be plenty of interest in the former first-round pick.
Teams can never have enough pass rushers in today’s NFL, and Wilkins can make a difference at full strength. A return to Miami makes sense, but a Super Bowl contender like the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills could have interest in handing him a “prove-it” deal.
Also Read: Raiders’ Blockbuster Trade Proposal Snags First-Round WR Bust with Explosive Upside
