Wilkins Released from Las Vegas Raiders

Wilkins Released from Las Vegas Raiders originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Pete Carroll era has officially begun in Las Vegas. The 73-year-old head coach is energized about his team and believes they’ll be competitive in the AFC West right away. On Wednesday, the Raiders opened their 2025 training camp.

Just one day later, major news broke out of camp that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who joined the Raiders for the 2024 season, is no longer with the team.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.

"A stunner: The #Raiders are releasing standout DT Christian Wilkins, the former prize of free agency after just one season of a five-year, $110M deal, sources say. Wilkins, who has been dealing with a serious foot injury, is on the books for $57.5M fully guaranteed."

A stunner: The #Raiders are releasing standout DT Christian Wilkins, the former prize of free agency after just one season of a five-year, $110M deal, sources say.
 
Wilkins, who has been dealing with a serious foot injury, is on the books for $57.5M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/E7OextfpsD

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2025

Wilkins started his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins after being selected 13th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was a key part of Clemson’s defense during their run to two College Football Playoff titles.

During his five seasons in Miami, Wilkins appeared in at least 14 games each year. His 2022 campaign was his most productive, where he posted 98 combined tackles and 59 solo stops, along with two forced fumbles and six pass deflections.

In March 2024, the Raiders signed Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed. However, he played in just five games for Las Vegas before being sidelined by a foot injury.

Earlier this month, Wilkins was moved to the reserve/PUP list. According to reports, the Raiders believe Wilkins did not properly follow his rehab program, leading them to release him under the vested veteran designation. Wilkins has since filed a grievance with the NFLPA.

With Wilkins gone, Maxx Crosby remains the defensive cornerstone for Las Vegas. He’ll be joined up front by Leki Fotu, Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce.

On offense, Geno Smith steps in as the starting quarterback. At running back, Vegas fans will get a first look at former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, who is expected to carry the load in the backfield.

The Raiders open their 2025 regular season on September 7 with a road game against the New England Patriots.

Related: Derek Carr Offers Strong Thoughts on Raiders Adding Pete Carroll, Ashton Jeanty

Related: Raiders Pushed to Sign Ex-Cowboy, Pro Bowler as Christian Wilkins Replacement

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.