In one of the most shocking offseason moves, the Las Vegas Raiders revealed they released star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. After Wilkins only appeared in five games due to a foot injury in 2024, the former big-ticket free agent defender was expected to be ready for training camp in 2025.

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That was not the case as Wilkins was placed on the PUP list, and more details were revealed about the situation and split. Apparently, Wilkins was recommended by multiple doctors to get another foot surgery, which he “balked at.”

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This led to the Raiders choosing to release the star tackle, which is likely to lead to a bigger legal matter with the team voiding $35.2 million in guaranteed money. The team claims the voided money was due to “failure to maintain his physical condition to play.”

Wilkins has also filed a grievance with the NFLPA, directed at the Raiders over the voided guaranteed money.

Now, Raiders head coach Peter Carroll has broken his silence about the shocking release.

The Athletic’s Tashan Reed shared a comment from Carroll, who stated:

“It took a long time to make our decision. … We’re keeping it really clear with what we said — I think there was no clear path to his return. So, we just had to move on.”

Losing Wilkins might be more impactful if he were able to take the field, but the Jones fracture he suffered appeared to have reached a setback, prompting the medical professionals to suggest a second surgery.

Wilkins has chosen instead to rehab the foot without a second surgery, leading to his release. Considering he is recovering from the Jones fracture, there might be no team that is willing to pay the big man.

Wilkins spent the 2019 to 2023 seasons with the Miami Dolphins, after he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

Through those five seasons, he secured 20.5 sacks, including a career-high nine sacks in 2023. This led to Wilking seeking a massive contract extension with the Dolphins, who were unwilling to give him what he was seeking.

Wilkins then signed with the Raiders on a four-year deal worth $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed. Now, he is a free agent.

Wilkins might not have any issue landing with a new team once he is fully healed, but the timeline of his being fully healthy is completely up in the air.

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