The Raiders have released DT Christian Wilkins amid a fight over how the player should address the foot injury that ended his 2024 season. Wilkins suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot early last season, had surgery, and missed the final 12 games. New HC Pete Carroll called the rehab process "challenging" in May but indicated that he believed there was time for Wilkins to get ready for the season (and that the DT remained in the team's plans). But Wilkins opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list, and it has now become clear that he and the team disagree on how to proceed with the recovery process. The dispute will continue beyond Wilkins' now-ended tenure because the Raiders are seeking to void $35.2 million in guaranteed money left on his deal.
Team statement: "We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins. With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season."
ESPN report: "The belief was that Wilkins needed another surgery on his foot; he balked at getting it, sources told ESPN. The Raiders then voided the guaranteed money left on his deal due to 'failure to maintain his physical condition to play.'"
Whatever the whole truth is on Wilkins' foot right now, it certainly doesn't sound like his return to the field is imminent.
Wilkins will turn 30 in December. So if this situation turns into a lost 2025 season, he might have trouble returning to the NFL field at all.
We should learn more by whether and/or how quickly Wilkins lands with another team. He signed with the Raiders for $110 million total on a four-year pact ahead of last season.
The Raiders' defense shouldn't feel much impact from this release, given that they've only gotten five games from Wilkins. But the unit sure could have used the healthy version of a former first-round pick who delivered both run-stopping and pass-rushing ability across five seasons with the Dolphins.
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