The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash last offseason by signing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract, including an eye-popping $84.75 million guaranteed. The move signaled Las Vegas’ commitment to building a dominant defensive front around Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
However, as the team inches closer to training camp, questions are surfacing about whether Wilkins will be ready to go, and ESPN reporter Ryan McFadden is starting to shed some light on the situation.
Clouds of Uncertainty: Raiders Reporter Raises Concern Over Christian Wilkins’ Health
GettyIs it time to hit the panic button on Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive tackle Christian Wilkins?
Wilkins has been absent from all three days of the Raiders’ mandatory minicamp, a decision that’s no longer being described as precautionary, but part of an ongoing recovery from a Jones fracture in his foot after playing just five games in his first year with Las Vegas. He had just two sacks and 17 total tackles last season with the Raiders after a monster nine sacks and 65 total tackles with the Dolphins in 2023.
“His injured foot was placed in a walking boot, but he was out of it by the end of the season. Then, earlier this offseason, his foot was placed back in a boot,” writes Tashan Reed of The Athletic.
It’s a concerning development for a player whose physical presence and motor are vital to the Raiders’ defense taking the next step. According to McFadden, Wilkins’ status is “pretty much up in the air.”
The last time he was seen on the field was back in May during an OTA session that was open to the media. Even then, Wilkins was limited — no helmet, no participation in team drills, and certainly no 11-on-11 action. That sighting now feels less like progress and more like a preview of the difficult recovery road ahead.
Head coach Pete Carroll was asked about Wilkins’ rehab, and he admitted the process has been “long and challenging.” Not the kind of update the team wants to hear for a player who just signed a mega contract last season.
Next Man Up: Raiders’ Depth Faces Early Test Without Wilkins
With Wilkins sidelined, the Raiders are thankful for other players on the roster, like Adam Butler.
“It’s always been ‘next man up’ mentality,” Butler said. “I pray that he [Wilkins] heals whatever he’s battling. I pray that he gets through it; he’s a tough guy. He’s a great player.”
Butler and newly acquired defensive tackle Leki Fotu took first-team reps at DT while Wilkins has been out. While both players bring toughness and experience, neither one offers the upside or disruptive interior pressure Wilkins provides when he’s on the field.
Christian Wilkins shows great lateral movement as he controls his gap. Causes Joe Alt to run into his RB. Destroys the run play all on his own! #StopTheRun #RaiderNation
If Wilkins isn’t ready by training camp, the Raiders will need to lean heavily on stopgaps and hope that their depth holds up. As McFadden noted, his return would be a “major boost” for a defense trying to forge an identity under Carroll. But for now, Raiders fans and coaches are hoping for the best.
