Christian Wilkins is a free agent after his surprise release from the Raiders. Where might he land?
The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL world by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on Thursday evening.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Wilkins and the Raiders had "an ongoing dispute over [Wilkins'] foot and whether or not to have surgery." The defensive tackle landed on injured reserve last October with a Jones fracture in his foot that already required one surgery.
Per Rapoport, the Raiders wanted Wilkins to have another surgery, and Wilkins declined one after getting "several opinions." Now, Wilkins is a free agent without a clear path back to the field depending on his health.
It's as surprising as release as we've seen in the NFL as of late, as Wilkins only played one year with the Raiders after signing his massive contract in March 2024.
The #Raiders and DT Christian Wilkins have had an ongoing dispute over his foot and whether or not to have surgery. The team wanted him to. He declined after several opinions.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2025
Now, released. There is also expected to be a fight over guaranteed money. https://t.co/GRTcTr46a7
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Wilkins' next step is taking visits with other teams and undergoing physicals. While Wilkins' strange exit from Vegas may hint to a difficult path back to playing, it's certainly possible at least one NFL team feels comfortable with signing him now and handling the injury in their building.
If he doesn't sign with a team, it's possible Wilkins doesn't play this year to figure out his foot injury.
Nevertheless, let's run through five teams who make sense as possible landing spots for Wilkins should he actually agree to a new deal.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons reportedly planned to pursue Wilkins as a free agent in 2024 if the Kirk Cousins plan fell through, and the team has a pressing need at the position. Wilkins could step in right away and start for Atlanta once he's healthy... if that's a possibility with his current injury situation, that is.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals aren't in a great spot right now with two of their main defensive linemen in Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. Wilkins could represent a promising insurance policy if one or both of those guys miss the start of the season with their contract disputes. Wilkins could join the contending team when he's ready.
Miami Dolphins
Could Wilkins just go back to his previous team in Miami? It's definitely possible. The Dolphins have never been able to fully replace him, and we're sure they'd love to have him back on the roster just in general. Even if Wilkins can't play right way, the Dolphins are clearly a landing spot for one of their former players.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are still flushed with cash and could pay Wilkins whatever he wants to sign a multi-year deal with New England. While we're sure it wouldn't be a major contract, the financials are on the Pats' side to get something done if they're interested. Wilkins could give New England a formidable trio up front with fellow defensive linemen Milton Williams and Christian Barmore... y'know, if he's healthy enough to play this year.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles don't necessarily need a defensive tackle, but Wilkins spent a year playing for Vic Fangio as his defensive coordinator. With Fangio in Philadelphia, there's a familiarity there and a clear path for Wilkins to heal up for whenever he's healthy. The rich would get richer here, but it might make sense for Wilkins to join a team that doesn't necessarily need him right away.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Christian Wilkins landing spots after his shocking Raiders cut
Category: Football
