Raiders Part Ways with DT Christian Wilkins: What His Release and $35.2M Void Mean for the Team

The Las Vegas Raiders recently let go of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, raising some eyebrows. The decision was made public on July 24, 2025, and it’s tied to some issues regarding Wilkins’ recovery from foot surgery last October.

Wilkins had a Jones fracture in his left foot and was expected to return within three to four months. However, when OTAs began in May, he still couldn’t practice, which hinted that something was off with his healing. The team placed him on the physically unable to perform list last week, confirming he wasn’t ready for training camp.

In a twist, Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association, trying to get back the $35.2 million in guaranteed money that the Raiders voided. Before OTAs, the Raiders suggested he undergo another surgery, but Wilkins disagreed and chose not to go through with it. This disagreement marked the beginning of a tough few months for both the player and the team.

Wilkins initially signed a lucrative four-year, $110 million contract with $57.5 million guaranteed. This deal was made under former general manager Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce, who aimed to build a strong defensive line alongside Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. Unfortunately, injuries plagued the defensive lineup. Koonce suffered a torn ACL before the first game, and Crosby had a high-ankle sprain that required season-ending surgery later on. Wilkins’ injury meant he missed the last 12 games of the season, but there was hope he would recover in time for 2025.

The arrival of new GM John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll earlier this year shifted the team’s dynamics. They soon discovered that Wilkins’ status was uncertain, and ultimately, the decision was made to part ways.

If the Raiders’ decision to void Wilkins’ guaranteed money stands, they will only owe him his prorated signing bonus, which is $9.925 million annually until 2028. This restructuring, meant to alleviate salary cap pressure, turned a roster bonus into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit across several years.

This situation highlights the often unpredictable nature of sports contracts and player health. Experts in sports management note that injuries can drastically impact team strategy and finances. According to a recent survey by the National Football League Players Association, about 30% of players report concerns about their long-term health and contract stability due to injuries.

In the age of social media, fans have reacted strongly to Wilkins’ release. Trends and discussions about player injuries and management decisions often go viral, showing how deeply invested supporters are in their teams’ fortunes and their players’ wellbeing. Wilkins’ situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance teams must maintain between performance and player health.



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Las Vegas Raiders, NFL