Christian Wilkins' tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders has come to an end as the team announced his release on Thursday, designating him as a terminated vested veteran. The news, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, marks a significant turn for the defensive tackle. It has been reported that the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money from Wilkins' contract last month due to his handling of the rehabilitation process for a foot injury sustained during the previous season. Following this decision, Wilkins has officially filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.

Sources indicate that there was a belief surrounding Wilkins' need for another surgery on his foot, which he reportedly declined. ESPN's Ryan McFadden stated that the Raiders' decision to void the guarantees was based on Wilkins' 'failure to maintain his physical condition to play.' Moving forward, Wilkins is expected to explore opportunities, taking visits and undergoing physical evaluations with potential new teams, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. An anonymous head coach expressed concerns over Wilkins' health status, commenting, 'He’s not healthy enough to play for the Raiders… Something must not be right.'

Wilkins, a product of Clemson, suffered his foot injury during Week 5 of the 2024 season and did not return for the duration of his first year with the Raiders. Additionally, the team placed him on the physically unable to perform list. Head coach Pete Carroll mentioned in an update that Wilkins continues to work hard but is not yet ready to return, highlighting the lengthy and challenging nature of the rehabilitation process. Carroll emphasized the team's diligence in handling the situation while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Wilkins' recovery. This situation starkly contrasts expectations set when Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with Las Vegas at the start of the 2024 season. Previously, he had demonstrated remarkable durability with the Miami Dolphins, participating in all 17 games for three consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2023, and he recorded a career-high nine sacks in his final year with the Dolphins. His arrival in Las Vegas was anticipated to bolster the defensive line alongside Maxx Crosby; however, following his release, the Raiders will now rely on players like Leki Fotu, Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, and Jonah Laulu to fill the void at defensive tackle.