Christian Wilkins' tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders has concluded, as the team announced on Thursday that they have released the defensive tackle with a designation of terminated vested veteran. This decision follows a series of developments regarding Wilkins' recovery from a foot injury he sustained in the previous season. ESPN's Adam Schefter was among the first to report this news, highlighting that the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money on Wilkins' contract last month due to issues related to his rehabilitation process.

Reports indicate that there was a belief within the organization that Wilkins required additional surgery on his foot, a procedure he reportedly resisted. As a result, the Raiders made the decision to void the guaranteed portion of his contract, citing a 'failure to maintain his physical condition to play.' In light of these developments, Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association, thereby entering a phase of potential contractual dispute with the organization. The next steps for Wilkins include visiting and undergoing physical evaluations with possible new teams, as stated by The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Wilkins, who previously enjoyed a durable career with the Miami Dolphins, participated in all 17 games across three consecutive seasons from 2021 through 2023. His performance peaked in his final year with Miami, where he recorded a career-high nine sacks. This strong track record made him a highly coveted free agent, leading to his signing with the Raiders on a four-year, $110 million deal before the 2024 season. It was anticipated that he would serve as a cornerstone for the defensive line alongside fellow lineman Maxx Crosby, capitalizing on the space created when opposing offenses double-teamed Crosby. However, following Wilkins’ release, the Raiders will now turn to alternatives such as Leki Fotu, Adam Butler, Tonka Hemingway, and Jonah Laulu to fill the gap in their defensive tackle position.