The Las Vegas Raiders have officially released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, a move that comes just over a year after signing him to a lucrative four-year, $110 million contract. The decision, announced on Thursday, July 24, 2025, is complicated by a significant dispute over Wilkins’ recovery from a foot injury and the voiding of a substantial portion of his guaranteed money, leading to a grievance filed by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Wilkins, who was acquired by the Raiders in March 2024 with $84.75 million guaranteed, played only five games for the team before suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot during Week 5 of the 2024 season. The injury necessitated season-ending surgery. Despite initial reports of a challenging but diligent rehabilitation process, the Raiders informed Wilkins on June 4, 2025, that they were voiding the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money on his contract. Sources close to the situation indicated that the team’s rationale was Wilkins’ alleged “failure to maintain his physical condition to play,” stemming from his reported reluctance to undergo an additional surgery on his foot. (ESPN, Yahoo Sports)
The Raiders had placed Wilkins on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp, with head coach Pete Carroll stating earlier in May that Wilkins’ return was “uncertain” and his rehab was a “long and challenging process.” However, Carroll had also previously praised Wilkins’ commitment to his recovery, noting, “He’s been here every day. He’s here early working hard.” The team’s official statement on the release cited “no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian” as the reason for the transaction, asserting it was “necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for a new season.” (ESPN)
In response to the voided guarantees and subsequent release, the NFLPA filed a grievance on Wilkins’ behalf on Thursday, July 24, 2025, which was the final day he was eligible to do so. This action sets the stage for a legal battle between Wilkins and the Raiders over the substantial sum of money. If the Raiders’ voiding of the guarantees is upheld, it could save them approximately $8 million in 2025 salary and $25.25 million in 2026 salary. However, the move will still incur significant salary cap charges for the Raiders, with $17.925 million hitting the cap in 2025 and an additional $55.025 million in 2026. Wilkins ultimately received $49.7 million of his original contract. (NBC Sports ProFootballTalk, Yahoo Sports)
Wilkins, drafted 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2019, had established himself as a top-tier defensive tackle, recording a career-high nine sacks in 2023 with Miami. His signing was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offseason plans in 2024, intended to form a formidable pass-rush duo with Maxx Crosby. His brief tenure with Las Vegas saw him contribute 17 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6 quarterback hits before his injury. The organizational leadership has changed since Wilkins’ signing, with Pete Carroll now serving as head coach and John Spytek as general manager, which may have influenced the team’s long-term view of the player. Wilkins is now a free agent, and his market will largely depend on his health status and the outcome of the ongoing grievance. (Wikipedia, ESPN Player Profile)
