After Christian Wilkins Signs With Raiders For $110 Million, How Will He Fit In?

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year deal worth up to $110 million. Wilkins previously spent his five-year career with the Miami Dolphins, turning into one of the best defensive players in the league during that span.

From his time with the team from 2019-2023, Wilkins collected 353 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, as well as two receiving touchdowns. The total tackles Wilkins racked up in his time in the league is more than any other current player, and the second most tackles in five years in NFL history. His 98 tackles in the 2022 season were also at the time the most by a defensive lineman since 1994.

Last season, he started all 17 games and had a career-high nine sacks which ranked fifth in the league among defensive tackles. Miami missed on their chance to keep the 28-year-old by not using their franchise tag on him earlier this month, but at the same time, no long-term contract was ever agreed upon by the two parties.

With the Raiders’ addition of Wilkins, the team’s defensive line looks like they can do some serious damage to opposing quarterbacks. Along with Wilkins, Las Vegas has seen the rise of defensive end Maxx Crosby, who was sixth in sacks last year with 14.5 along with 90 total tackles.

“Obviously, Maxx is a big one that I’m excited to play with him,” Wilkins said in his introductory press conference. “And I’m just looking, like I said, looking forward to being part of this.”

While Wilkins was with the Dolphins, he saw added pressure from opposing offensive lines, but now lining up alongside Crosby, the Raiders have the ability to spread out their best defensive weapons. With having two of the most prolific and efficient players in their position the past few years, it will be a challenge for any offense facing off against them.

“We [Wilkins and Crosby] definitely talked a little bit just about the possibilities and things we can do, but it’s going to have to be built,” Wilkins said. “It’s definitely a process and a journey. It’s just going to have to start with just getting to know each other better. And not just us, but again, it’s going to be a team effort… So, definitely just looking forward to the possibilities and just being one piece of the puzzle.”

Wilkins leaves Miami at the peak of his career, and by the looks of his new contract, he will be a major key for the Raiders in the following seasons. Of the $110 million he originally signed for, more than $85 million of that deal is guaranteed, resulting in Wilkins making at least $20 million per season over the next few years. Though it’s a hefty price, bringing in Wilkins on a defensive line already featuring Crosby, the Raiders will undoubtedly be near the top of the league in quarterback pressures and sacks next year.

Article by Eli Gregorski