Christian Wilkins
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HENDERSON, 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)
The whole situation surrounding former Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins feels like a weird dream.
After signing a massive four-year, $110 million deal back in May 2024, Wilkins was a major disappointment, logging just 17 total tackles and two sacks in just five games with the Raiders after suffering a foot injury and refusing to undergo a second surgery for a Jones fracture in his left foot.
However, that wasn’t the only reason why the Raiders decided to cut ties with the veteran. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he kissed a fellow player on the head, and the teammate took offense to it.
Wilkins was one of the premier defensive tackles who was supposed to be a cornerstone on defense for the Raiders, but it never worked out. Now, after a year away from football, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell noted that Wilkins should receive some interest if he can pass a physical.
Christian Wilkins Making a Return in 2026?
Barnwell noted that with a lack of options at DT in the open market and previous play back when Wilkins was with the Miami Dolphins, teams could be interested.
“Given his play in Miami and the lack of options at tackle in this market, there will be interest in a now 30-year-old Wilkins if he can pass a physical.”
Even with a new coaching staff in Las Vegas, there’s an extremely slim chance the Raiders want to bring back Wilkins, especially after everything that transpired during his time with the Raiders.
People can change, and NFL teams are hoping Wilkins has, considering he was an elite defensive tackle during his years with the Dolphins. But his story with the Raiders has ended, and there won’t be a second stint in Las Vegas.
Raiders General Manager John Spytek Looks for Humility in Players
Raiders general manager John Spytek wasn’t the one who signed Wilkins back in 2024, to make things clear.
He’s looking to build a team with players who have humility.
“Humility. A great passion to play the game of football. It’s such a hard game. Your competitive spirit has to run really high. You’ve got to be willing to play through a bunch of tough circumstances. And, you know, to me, it always goes back to the love of the game. The guys that love truly love the game of football. They love to practice. They love to prepare. They love to watch film. They love to do, you know, play hurt. So, I mean, those things are – I’m kind of uncompromising on those things.”
This philosophy makes it even clearer why a reunion between Wilkins and Las Vegas feels impossible.
Regardless of how talented he once was, the Raiders appear to be prioritizing accountability, availability, and team-first mentalities as they reshape the roster. Wilkins’ tenure was defined more by injury and controversy than impact on the field, and that’s not the foundation a new regime wants to build upon.