Christian Wilkins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Christian Wilkins #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The interior defensive line of the Cincinnati Bengals has been one of many causes for concern for the team.
The Bengals were thoroughly outplayed by the Denver Broncos on Monday night. While the offense without injured Joe Burrow struggled mightily, several defensive weaknesses were exposed. Even though the defense shows improvement from last season, problems persist along the defensive line.
The Bengals (2-2) currently have six defensive tackles of the roster: B.J. Hill, T.J. Slaton Jr., Mike Pennel, Kris Jenkins Jr., McKinnley Jackson and Howard Cross III.
Writer Suggests Bengals Sign Christian Wilkins
Sports Illustrated’s Landon Belote is urging the Bengals to sign a veteran free agent to help bolster the defense. Belote suggests Christian Wilkins, whose time with the Las Vegas Raiders recently came to a controversial end.
The first thing many will note about Wilkins is the messy way his time with the Raiders ended earlier this year. Las Vegas released him in the offseason after reports suggested he mishandled rehab from a fracture sustained in his foot last season.
However, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, who covered the Dolphins during Wilkins’ time with the team, expressed skepticism about the claims that Wilkins mishandled his rehab.
“Knowing who Christian Wilkins is after having covered him for 5 years in Miami, I can say none of this adds up,” Kelly wrote.
Wilkins Was Accused of Kissing Teammate on Head
Wilkins also faced allegations that he attempted to kiss a teammate on the head, which the teammate said made him uncomfortable.
The incident took place inside a team meeting room. One source described the interaction to ESPN as “playful,” though the teammate reportedly viewed it differently. It remains unclear how the player responded afterward.
Christian Wilkins
GettyHENDERSON, NEVADA – MAY 29: Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders stretches during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on May 29, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
A complaint was filed to the Raiders‘ human resources department, which investigated the incident, a source told ESPN.
Defensive tackle Adam Butler said the team has “moved on from the situation,” but added at the time: “Whatever you’re going through as a person, athlete, non-athlete or whoever … Whatever your struggle is, if you’ve got something going on in life, just, talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Somebody out there in this world will hear you out.”
Wilkins Can Boost Cincinnati D-Line
Regardless of any of this context, this is a move the Bengals have to make, Belote said. Through the first four weeks, the team’s defense ranks 26th against the run, 27th in scoring, and 30th in both pass defense and overall performance.
Wilkins could provide a significant lift to a defensive line that has been struggling. Before his injury last season, he was on track for one of his best campaigns, earning PFF grades of 80.2 in run defense and 74.7 as a pass rusher, along with nine pressures, two sacks, and 11 solo tackles. At just 29, he has the potential to regain that form, and coming off an injury could allow the Bengals to secure him on a bargain deal while he continues to collect guaranteed money from the Raiders.