Raiders make final decision on Christian Wilkins for 2025

It is a massive shock to the system, as there were reports suggesting Wilkins could have returned to practice as early as next week. Instead, the new Raiders regime put the final nail in the coffin to former general manager Tom Telesco’s big free agent whiff after just five games played.

The surprisingly brutal honesty of the Raiders’ statement is a sign that not all was harmonious between Wilkins and the team. Along with disagreements on how to handle Wilkins’s extended rehab, the defensive lineman has already filed a grievance with the NFLPA for the team voiding the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money. As a result, this feud is expected to carry over, even after Wilkins finds a new team.

It is far from the opening to training camp the Raiders wanted, as the discord has created a dark cloud over what was a positive offseason to this point.

Now, the Raiders have to quickly decide what their defensive line is going to look like. The depth chart currently consists of Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Leki Fotu, Zach Carter and Day Three rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. It would ultimately not be a surprise if the Raiders look to add a free agent to replace Wilkins, although finding an upgrade could prove challenging this late into the offseason.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, Wilkins has officially ended up as a good idea that blew up in their faces far quicker than they anticipated.