The Las Vegas Raiders released DT Christian Wilkins, but a return to the Miami Dolphins is a long shot for multiple reasons.
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is available to any team that wants him, but a return to the Miami Dolphins is a long shot.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who signed Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract less than 1 1/2 years ago, are releasing him with the designation of terminated vested veteran, meaning he’s a free agent.
Wilkins remains close to Zach Sieler, the Dolphins’ 2024 MVP who formed a strong partnership when they played alongside one another in Miami.
Not so fast on any reunion celebration, though.
Wilkins — the Dolphins’ first-round pick in 2019 — fractured a foot in October, ending his season. He underwent surgery. Now, NFL Network is reporting that the Raiders wanted Wilkins to have more surgery, but he declined after getting other opinions.
ESPN reported that the Raiders voided $35.2 million of guaranteed money still due Wilkins, triggering a grievance Wilkins filed with the players’ association.
While that issue gets sorted out, there’s still a question of if or when Wilkins might be able to play. The Raiders at first placed Wilkins on the physically unable to perform list. Earlier this week, coach Pete Carroll said it was uncertain when Wilkins might be on the field.
“We sort of have to wait it out,” Carroll told reporters.
A day later, the Raiders obviously got tired of waiting and sent Wilkins packing.
Money, Kenneth Grant also roadblocks to Christian Wilkins returning
Now, for the other major sticking points.
Wilkins was to earn $18.1 million this season, followed by $37.6 million and $33.6 million over the next two seasons. He’s not cheap.
According to overthecap.com, the Dolphins have less than $1 million in effective cap space. The only team with less is Buffalo. While it’s true money can be moved around by creative general managers, the kind of money the Dolphins would have to maneuver would mean mortgaging the future.
The Dolphins certainly have pulled off unexpected, blockbuster splash moves before, but would it even be worth it this time? Remember that the Dolphins just spent their first-round draft pick on Michigan’s Kenneth Grant — a defensive tackle who like Wilkins was taken 13th overall. And they’re working to make Sieler happy with a renegotiated deal.
Sieler is lavish in his praise for Grant, his star pupil.
“K.G. is a great guy,” Sieler said. “It’s been awesome working with him. He’s willing to learn, he wants to learn. What was said to me in Baltimore was, ‘Be a sponge.’ Terrell Suggs said it, Brandon Williams said it, I make sure to relay that every year to the rookies.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins reuniting with Christian Wilkins? Don't bet on it
Category: Football
