Raiders Release Christian Wilkins: $110M Contract Collapses After Injury Drama

Christian Wilkins, star defensive tackle, was cut by the Raiders after a season-ending foot injury and rehab dispute. Discover the injury, contract breakup, grievance, and what’s next for Wilkins and Vegas.

🏁 From Big-Name Signing to Sudden Release

In March 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders signed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a massive four-year, $110 million contract, including $84.75 million guaranteed. However, on July 25, 2025, just one year later, Wilkins was abruptly released before training camp, ending his tenure with the team after playing only five games.

🩺 Foot Fracture & Rehab Dispute

During a game on October 6, 2024, against the Broncos, Wilkins suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot, putting his breakout 2024 season on ice after just five games. He tallied 17 total tackles and 2 sacks before the injury sidelined him. Despite initial surgery, Wilkins missed OTAs and minicamp, and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of camp, missing at least the first four games. Reports indicate he declined a second surgery raising tension with the Raiders’ medical staff while the team insisted a clear recovery plan was lacking.

💣 Release Fallout: Contract Parts Voided & Grievance Filed

The Raiders voided $35.2 million in guaranteed money, citing Wilkins’ failure to maintain condition and refusal to undergo surgery. In response, Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA, disputing the voided guarantees just before the filing deadline. The split mirrors a rare franchise break and marks a major gamble gone wrong $110M invested for five games on the field.

📉 Career Snapshot: Impressing with Miami, Disappointment in Vegas

Drafted 13th overall in 2019 by the Dolphins, Wilkins starred at Clemson and early in his NFL career. His 2023 breakout with Miami included nine sacks, solidifying him as a top-tier interior rusher. His brief Raiders career ended with 372 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries across 86 games since entering the league.

📊 Raiders’ Front-Line Shake-Up: Who Steps in Now?

With Wilkins gone, Las Vegas now turns to a defensive tackle rotation featuring Adam Butler, Leki Fotu, Zach Carter, and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. Analysts call the move a red flag not just financially ineffective, but compromising key defensive depth ahead of the 2025 season.

⏳ Christian Wilkins Outlook

Earlier in July 2025, Wilkins showed signs of progress reportedly off his walking boot and at the facility, raising hope for a Week 1 return against New England. Yet internal conflict over a second surgery and his rehab choices made his future tenuous from the start.

ESPN sources: Raiders are releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with the designation of terminated vested veteran. His time in Las Vegas is now over.

Due to how Wilkins treated the rehab from his foot injury he suffered last season, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2… pic.twitter.com/GXOGSeXz5H

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2025

🔍 What Wilkins Faces Now: Free Agency & Reputation Risks

Wilkins is now a free agent once the grievance process concludes. Yet his health concerns and rehab disagreements complicate interest from other teams. Those weighing him must consider joining him will entail uncertainty over recovery trajectory and future reliability despite his upside.