The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant addition to their roster by signing Christian Wilkins, a seasoned defensive tackle, to a lucrative four-year contract valued at $110 million.
As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, a substantial portion of this deal, amounting to $84.75 million, is guaranteed, indicating the team’s confidence in Wilkins’ abilities.
At 28 years old, Wilkins brings extensive experience, having spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him 13th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft from Clemson University. Notably, Wilkins enjoyed a standout season, achieving a career-high nine sacks, showcasing his prowess on the field.
The Raiders’ decision to acquire Wilkins underscores their pursuit of top talent in the free-agent market, aiming to bolster their defensive line with a reliable performer.
Wilkins’ durability is particularly notable, having not missed a single game in the past three seasons and only two throughout his NFL career, highlighting his resilience and availability.
The anticipation surrounding Wilkins’ arrival is palpable, with former Dolphins teammate Jalen Ramsey expressing excitement about the prospect of Wilkins teaming up with Maxx Crosby to wreak havoc on opponents in the upcoming season in Las Vegas.
Despite efforts by the Dolphins and Wilkins to negotiate a contract extension dating back to last summer, no agreement was reached. With the Dolphins facing salary cap constraints, they opted not to franchise tag Wilkins, allowing him to explore opportunities in the open market.
Notably, the Dolphins would have incurred approximately $22 million for a one-year deal had they tagged Wilkins, further illustrating the financial complexities involved in player retention within the league.
Overall, Wilkins’ acquisition represents a significant investment by the Raiders, aimed at fortifying their defensive line and enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming NFL season.
