The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, the club announced Thursday.
The Raiders have voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money left on his contract due to how Wilkins handled his rehab from the foot injury, per NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Las Vegas signed Wilkins to a massive four-year, $110 million contract with $82.75 million guaranteed in March 2024. The contract was the second-highest ever for an interior defensive lineman in NFL history, only behind Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Chris Jones.
No Timetable for Return
One of the biggest mysteries this offseason has been Christian Wilkins’ health. Wilkins suffered a season-ending foot injury (Jones fracture) against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 last season. The recovery for a Jones fracture is three to four months. However, Wilkins was still unable to practice during OTAs in May, seven months removed from the injury. Current Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll spoke to the media on the first day of OTAs and described Wilkins’ recovery as “challenging”.
“This has been a difficult recovery. He’s done everything he needs to do. He’s been here every day. He’s here early, working hard, but we’re still working on it.” Carroll said. “He’s not ready to get back out (there). We’re in the midst of a long, challenging process here. Fortunately, there’s a lot of time. We’re going to take every bit of it. We’re trying to be really diligent. He’s been onboard the whole time, but it has been challenging.”
According to Tashan Reed from The Athletic, Las Vegas informed Wilkins he needed a second surgery on his foot before OTAs began. Christian Wilkins disagreed with the club and didn’t get the procedure. The Raiders and Wilkins have been at odds all offseason. In the end, Las Vegas decided it was best to move on from the former 1st round pick.
“It took a long time to make our decision. We watched our way through the whole thing. We’re keeping really clear with what we said. I think there was no clear path to his return, so we just had to move on.” Carroll said after releasing Christian Wilkins.
The defensive tackle appeared in only five games with the Raiders. Wilkins recorded 11 solo tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss.
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