Las Vegas Raiders Release Christian Wilkins from Team
#las_vegas_raiders #christian_wilkins #nfl #defense #team_release
Introduction
The Las Vegas Raiders have announced that they will be releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins from their team. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as Wilkins has been a key player for the Raiders since he was drafted in 2019. However, with the team looking to make some changes to improve their defense, it seems that Wilkins will no longer be a part of their plans.
Reason for Release
Wilkins has been a consistent performer for the Raiders, but his production has dropped in recent years. In 2020, he recorded only 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles, a significant decrease from his numbers in 2019. The Raiders are looking for more impact from their defensive line and believe that they can find a better fit for their system. Additionally, Wilkins' contract is set to expire, and the team has decided not to renew it.
Impact on the Team
With Wilkins' release, the Raiders will have a void to fill on their defensive line. They will likely turn to the upcoming draft for a potential replacement, or look to free agency to find a more experienced player. This move also frees up some cap space for the team, allowing them to make other necessary changes to improve their defense. It will be interesting to see how the Raiders move forward without Wilkins, and how this decision
About the People Mentioned
Christian Wilkins
Christian Wilkins is an American professional football defensive tackle born on December 20, 1995, in Springfield, Massachusetts. A standout at Clemson University, he earned two-time All-American honors, amassed 40.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over his college career, and was named the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy winner, known as the "Academic Heisman," for his excellence in academics and athletics. Wilkins completed a bachelor's degree in communications in two and a half years with a 3.33 GPA and later a master's in athletic leadership, becoming the first scholarship player in Clemson history to graduate so quickly. As a two-year captain, he anchored one of college football's most dominant defensive lines alongside Dexter Lawrence and Clelin Ferrell, helping Clemson secure national championships in 2016 and 2018, three title game appearances, and four straight College Football Playoff semifinals while leading the nation in scoring defense during his senior year.[1][2][6] Selected 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 NFL Draft, Wilkins spent five seasons there, starting for three years and recording career highs of nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits in 2023. Notable plays include strip-sacks against the Buffalo Bills and team efforts with Bradley Chubb forcing fumbles versus the Jets and Giants.[3][5] In 2024 free agency, he signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, their first major move to bolster a defense that excelled late in 2023.[1][3] At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, the 28-year-old Wilkins, one of 15 active NFL players from Massachusetts and the youngest of nine siblings, remains a high-impact lineman. However, as of early 2026, the Raiders are releasing him amid a dispute over surgery for an injured foot.[3] An avid volunteer, he has hosted youth clinics and worked with Habitat for Humanity, embodying Clemson's "Culture of Care." [1][2] (298 words)
About the Organizations Mentioned
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. ### History Founded on January 30, 1960, the Raiders were originally based in Oakland, California. They began as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and transitioned to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The team moved to Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 before returning to Oakland until 2019. In 2017, the NFL approved the Raiders' move to Las Vegas, and they officially relocated in 2020. ### Key Achievements The Raiders have had several notable achievements, including three Super Bowl victories (XI, XV, and XVIII). They have also appeared in numerous playoff games throughout their history. ### Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Raiders are currently ranked fourth in the AFC West with a 2-5 record. They are led by head coach Antonio Pierce and owned by Carol and Mark Davis. The team continues to evolve with new players and strategies, focusing on improving their performance in the competitive NFL landscape. ### Notable Aspects - **Stadium and Facilities**: Allegiant Stadium, their home venue, is a state-of-the-art facility known for its unique design and amenities. - **Draft and Roster**: Recent drafts have seen the selection of promising players like Decamerion Richardson and Tommy Eichenberg, who are expected to contribute to the team's defense. - **Community Engagement**: The Raiders are actively involved in local community initiatives, fostering a strong connection with Las Vegas residents. While the Raiders are not typically associated with business or technology news, their organizational structure and community engagement efforts make them a significant part of
