Raiders Release Wilkins Amid Foot Injury Dispute

The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after just one season, citing a lack of an acceptable recovery plan following a foot injury sustained in Week 5 of the previous year. Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract with over $82 million guaranteed, played only five games before being placed on the physically unable to perform list. The Raiders voided $35.2 million in guaranteed money due to disagreements over treatment options, as Wilkins declined further surgery on his injured foot. Wilkins has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association to contest the voided guarantees, leading to a potential legal dispute. Head coach Pete Carroll described Wilkins' rehabilitation as long and challenging, acknowledging Wilkins' effort to recover. This dispute marks another off-field controversy for the Raiders as they enter a new season.