Christian Wilkins remains a free agent following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills are in need of a defensive tackle
15:50 ET, 08 Nov 2025Updated 15:51 ET, 08 Nov 2025
The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills have been touted as the best fits for free agent Christian Wilkins
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The New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills have been touted as the best fits for free agent Christian Wilkins(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The New York Jets could go head-to-head with the Buffalo Bills in an attempt to sign Christian Wilkins, one of the top defensive NFL free agents.
The Jets have already begun prioritising a rebuild, after trading away cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Jets now hold five first-round picks for the next two NFL Drafts, but could also bolster the roster through free agency.
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Wilkins, 29, was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in July despite signing a four-year deal worth $110 million in 2024. Wilkins remains a desirable option at defensive tackle, and the Jets need a replacement for Williams after he was sent to the Dallas Cowboys.
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According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, the Jets and the Bills are the best fits for the free agent. Wilkins was a first-round pick in 2019, after the Miami Dolphins selected him 13th overall.
Wilkins remained with the Dolphins for the entirety of his rookie contract and recorded a career-high nine sacks in his final season with the organization. He then joined the Raiders in free agency, signing a mammoth contract.
However, Wilkins was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list in Week 5 of the 2024 season after suffering a Jones fracture in his foot.
It ultimately became his final appearance for Las Vegas, as the organization chose to release him on July 24.
Christian Wilkins was released by the Las Vegas Raiders just five games into his four-year, $110 million contract
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Christian Wilkins was released by the Las Vegas Raiders just five games into his four-year, $110 million contract(Image: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The Raiders released Wilkins with a terminated vested veteran designation, and voided $35.2 million of his guaranteed salary due to rehabilitation concerns.
"We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins," the Raiders posted in a statement.
"This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field. 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."
Wilkins was a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
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Wilkins was a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft(Image: ©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved)
Wilkins received $49.7 million of his original contract, despite being guaranteed $84.75 million at signing. Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA.
Should Wilkins sign with a team this season, the Bills and the Jets are both plausible destinations. The Bills require cover as they continue to push for Super Bowl success, while the Jets are plotting a long-term strategy.
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Gardner, a former Defensive Rookie of the Year, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. The cornerback will now look to assist a 7-2 team that has emerged as a surprise Super Bowl contender this season.
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Williams, one of the top-ranked defensive tackles in the league, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys as the team continues to restructure the defense after Micah Parsons joined the Green Bay Packers. The Jets received three first-round picks in return.