Christian Wilkins, Raiders
Getty
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chicago Bears have made moderate, sensible upgrades to multiple areas of the defense this offseason, but a splashier move may be just around the corner.
While Chicago fans are anxiously awaiting a potential upgrade at the edge-rusher position, the team could look to make a move on the interior of the defensive line by adding a star tackle desired by the vast majority of outfits around the NFL.
“Free-agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported March 20. “So far 26 teams have reached out and are waiting for Wilkins to be ready, and Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.”
Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron floated Chicago as a landing spot for Wilkins on Monday, March 23, even after the team made multiple moves on defense over the first two weeks of free agency.
“On paper, some might look at the Bears’ depth chart and believe they are fine heading into the draft,” Leming wrote. “The team added three veterans, including Neville Gallimore (two years, $10 million), and both Kentavius Street and James Lynch on veteran minimum deals.”
“While it’s easy to argue that they raised the floor at the position, this is still a group without a standout,” Leming continued. “Of the [possibilities], Wilkins is the only one who offers legitimate star potential, even if his tenure in Vegas ended in disappointment. The biggest question with Wilkins is health, but it sounds like he’s expected to be good to go closer to the start of training camp.”
Bears Must Find Money to Sign DT Christian Wilkins in Free Agency
Bears draft
GettyGeneral manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears.
Chicago’s primary issue with adding any free agent of note from here on out is going to be the salary cap space the team has at its disposal.
The Bears have just over $1 million in room as of Tuesday, which puts them last in the league in that category. Chicago still has the signing of its draft picks to consider, as well as the potential need for a free-agent edge-rusher to round out what was one of the least successful pass-rushing groups in all of the NFL last season.
Considering Wilkins reportedly has interest from the vast majority of franchises, the competition for his services could push his price point above what the Bears are willing to spend, particularly because Chicago has added at the position already this offseason.
Christian Wilkins Poised to Return From Foot Injury Ahead of Next Season
christian wilkins
GettyFormer Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
Wilkins has produced 372 combined tackles, including 45 tackles for loss, 56 quarterback hits, 22.5 sacks, 19 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and an interception across his six-year NFL career.
He most recently inked a four-year, $110 million agreement with the Raiders in March 2024, though the team voided that deal in the summer of 2025 for breach of contract.
Wilkins has played just five games over the past two seasons and will turn 31 years old during the upcoming campaign. He is also battling a foot injury, but most teams expect he will be fully healthy by some point during the preseason.