The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move on Thursday by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, according to an official announcement from the team. This decision comes in the wake of a complicated injury situation and contract discussions that have not gone as planned.
Wilkins’ release included the voiding of his remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed contract money, a decision taken by the Raiders due to disagreements over how he managed his rehabilitation from a Jones fracture in his left foot, which he underwent surgery to repair back in October. For those unfamiliar, the standard recovery window for this type of injury is typically three to four months, but by the time OTAs rolled around in May, Wilkins still wasn’t able to practice. This raised red flags about the state of his recovery, and when he was placed on the physically unable to perform list last week, it signaled that he wasn’t prepared for the rigors of training camp. After missing multiple practice sessions, the Raiders ultimately decided to part ways with him.
Adding another layer to this situation, Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association in an effort to regain the guaranteed money that was voided by the Raiders. This move indicates a contentious relationship between the player and the organization, particularly following the Raiders’ recommendation that Wilkins undergo a second surgery, a proposal he reportedly disagreed with.
Wilkins was initially brought to the Raiders under a previous management regime, signing a blockbuster four-year, $110 million deal with $57.5 million guaranteed in March 2024. The expectation at that time was high, especially with a defensive front that included talents like Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, positioning the Raiders for a formidable defense.
However, the Raiders’ plans turned out to be less than ideal. The injury bug hit hard last season — Koonce went down with a season-ending torn ACL before the season even kicked off, and Crosby suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 that would ultimately require season-ending surgery after he re-injured himself later in the year. Then, in Week 5, Wilkins himself suffered the very Jones fracture that led to this tumultuous situation, requiring surgery that sidelined him for the final 12 games of the season. Despite hopes he would be ready for the start of the 2025 season, uncertainty loomed over his status.
With a new front office now in place, including General Manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders faced a crucial decision regarding Wilkins. If the voiding of his guaranteed money stands, the team would be responsible only for his prorated signing bonus through 2028. Wilkins received a $24 million signing bonus when he originally signed, but a restructuring of his contract in March created further complexity. The Raiders converted a $20.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus and added a void year, resulting in a prorated cap hit of approximately $9.925 million annually through 2028.
The Raiders’ handling of Wilkins underscores the complexities of NFL contracts and player management, particularly when injuries disrupt expectations. As the franchise forges ahead under new leadership, it will be interesting to see how they navigate similar situations in the future and reshape their roster in pursuit of greater success on the field.
