Raiders release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, look to void part of $110M contract

Vincent Bonsignore, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul 24, 2025

Published in Football

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LAS VEGAS — The Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and are seeking to void the remaining $35.2 million in guarantees on his contract.

The move puts a dramatic end to Wilkins’ tenure with the Raiders, who signed him to a four-year, $110 million contract in the 2024 offseason with $82.75 million guaranteed. He played in just five games before suffering a Jones fracture in his left foot that cost him the rest of the season.

Wilkins finished with two sacks and 11 tackles.

Wilkins was on track to return as early as the end of last season, but he endured a setback to his surgically repaired foot, which sidelined him for the offseason program. Coach Pete Carroll said in May that Wilkins faced a long recovery, then said his status remained uncertain when the Raiders opened training camp this week with Wilkins on the physically unable to perform list.

Behind the scenes, the wheels were already in motion toward a breakup.

The Raiders, now led by Carroll and general manager John Spytek, disagreed with Wilkins on the best course of treatment. A person with knowledge of the situation indicated the organization believed another procedure was necessary, but Wilkins did not.

It apparently reached an irreconcilable point, and the team released a statement Thursday announcing its decision.

“We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins, and he has been informed of his release from the team,” the statement read. “This franchise has a commitment to excellence on and off the field. With no clear path or plan for future return to play for Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season.”

A legal battle over the remaining guarantees on the contract is expected, as the NFL Players Association has reportedly filed a grievance on Wilkins’ behalf.

The Raiders are claiming conduct detrimental to his rehabilitation, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The remaining guarantees include his 2025 salary of $8 million and his 2026 salary of $25.25 million. The 2026 salary was guaranteed for injury at signing.