The Las Vegas Raiders informed Christian Wilkins on Thursday that he will be released, ending the defensive tackle’s time with the team after one injury-shortened season.
The Raiders, who had signed Wilkins in March 2024 to a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed, had placed him on the physically unable to perform list on Friday before the start of training camp.
Wilkins, 29, was working his way back from a season-ending Jones fracture to his left foot, sustained in the Raiders’ 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 6. Wilkins did not participate in drills during OTAs in May nor in mandatory minicamp, according to media reports.
NFL Network reported Thursday that the Raiders want Wilkins to undergo surgery on the injured foot, while Wilkins declined to after several opinions.
ESPN reported that the Raiders have voided the remaining $35.2 million of guaranteed money and that Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA on Thursday.
“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,” the Raiders said in a statement. “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.”
Wilkins recorded 17 tackles and two sacks in five games (all starts) before having season-ending surgery.
He has totaled 372 tackles, 22.5 sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 86 career regular-season games (82 starts) with the Miami Dolphins and Raiders. He was selected by the Dolphins with the 13th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
–Field Level Media
