DT Christian Wilkins Lined Up for Sensational Move to AFC Team Following Raiders Release

Mike Vrabel will talk with Patriots brass about signing Christian Wilkins who was released by the Raiders.

DT Christian Wilkins Lined Up for Sensational Move to AFC Team Following Raiders Release

Christian Wilkins (Image via IMAGO)

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Christian Wilkins is drawing massive interest from the New England Patriots after the Las Vegas Raiders surprisingly released him earlier this week. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will discuss the matter with the brass about a potential contract.

Reporters flocked around Vrabel for a Q&A session on Friday. One reporter asked the former player/newly appointed head honcho about Wilkins, and in return, he raised the hopes of the New England fans.

I think we’ll have a conversation. This is pretty new, so I don’t have all the information on where Christian is.

Mike Vrabel said via Tom Carroll of 93.7 WEEI of Boston

Vrabel first found out about Wilkins very early. Wilkins played high school football for Framingham High before transferring to Suffield Academy in Connecticut. He committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, where Vrabel was the assistant coach, but eventually opted to play for Clemson.

I’ve known Christian; I recruited him when he was up here in the area in Connecticut in high school, so I’m sure we’ll have a conversation.

Vrabel added

Wilkins was part of the Clemson team that won two CFP titles, featuring Jacksonville duo Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, and Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins.

The Miami Dolphins drafted Wilkins 13th overall in 2019. He played five seasons at South Beach before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.

Why is Christian Wilkins a free agent?

Wilkins had signed a four-year deal worth $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed. After 17 tackles, 2 sacks, and 8 QB hits, the 29-year-old suffered a fracture in week 6. The Raiders placed him on injured reserve for the rest of the campaign.

DT Christian Wilkins Lined Up for Sensational Move to AFC Team Following Raiders Release
Christian Wilkins (Image via IMAGO)

Wilkins found himself on the PUP list ahead of the training camp, allowing him to continue his rehab. However, earlier this week, the Raiders terminated Wilkins’ contract, voiding the remaining years.

This franchise has a commitment of excellence on and off the field. With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for a new season.

Wilkins reportedly filed a grievance with the NFLPA.

Why did the Raiders cut Christian Wilkins?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Wilkins’ foot wasn’t fully healed, and the Raiders brass advised him to undergo a second surgery. He did not, and was released after much discussion.

It took a long time to make our decision. We watched our way through the whole thing. We’re keeping really clear with what we said. I think there was no clear path to his return, and so we just had to move on.

New Raiders head coach Pete Caroll said on Friday after practice. (H/T: NBC Sports)

Despite the release, Wilkins had already made a total of $49.7 million with the Raiders. It’s a shame that the fans missed out on the chance to see Wilkins line up with Maxx Crosby once again. Instead, he might take snaps in New England alongside Keion White, Milton Williams, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., and Eric Johnson II.

Both teams finished on 4 wins last season and would prefer to have a resurgence under their respective new regimes. Fans will catch a glimpse of their firepower at Foxboro in Week One.

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