Raiders Release Christian Wilkins Voiding $35M Guaranteed Amid Injury Dispute

The Las Vegas Raiders made a surprising decision to release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after just one season, despite his lucrative four-year, $110 million contract signed in 2024, which included $84.75 million guaranteed. Wilkins played only five games before a foot injury—a Jones fracture—ended his season, and the team and player clashed over his rehabilitation approach, leading the Raiders to void $35.2 million in guaranteed money. Wilkins received nearly $49.7 million for his brief stint, equating to about $10 million per game, one of the highest per-game salaries in NFL history. The Raiders cited a lack of a clear plan for Wilkins' return as the reason for the release, emphasizing their commitment to excellence on and off the field. Wilkins, a former first-round pick who had previously excelled with the Miami Dolphins, has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association over the contract dispute. Despite his injury struggles and limited playtime in Las Vegas, Wilkins remains known for his on-field dominance and charismatic personality.