Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll explained that the team’s decision to release Christian Wilkins was the result of an extensive evaluation process, where a clear scenario for his return was not foreseen.
In an official statement, the Raiders emphasized their commitment to excellence, both on and off the field. Carroll hopes this decision will send a clear message about the standards they seek to establish in Las Vegas.We took a lot of time to make our decision. We observed the whole process. We maintained clear communication with what we said. I think there wasn’t a clear path for his return, so we had to move on.
Pete Carroll
Wilkins was released with the vested veteran designation, according to sources close to the team. The player was in the process of recovering from a Jones fracture, suffered last October. Due to the way Wilkins handled the rehabilitation of his injury, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million guaranteed in his contract on June 4, according to sources. It was believed that Wilkins needed another surgery on his foot, but he opposed it. The team made the decision to void the remaining guaranteed money due to his “inability to maintain his physical condition to play”. The NFLPA filed a complaint on behalf of Wilkins. The next step after filing the complaint would be a hearing. In the previous offseason, Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract, with $82.75 million guaranteed. He also received a signing bonus of $24 million. In March, his $20.5 million roster bonus converted into a signing bonus to create cap space. If the voiding of Wilkins’ guarantees is upheld, the Raiders will only have to pay his prorated signing bonus, representing an annual salary cap hit of $9.925 million through 2028. Carroll stated that the competition on the defensive line is “completely open”, providing opportunities for several players to get reps with the first and second team. Tyree Wilson, selected seventh overall in 2023, has played on the interior during the first week of training. In two seasons, Wilson has played 239 defensive snaps as a defensive tackle.We have extremely high expectations. I don’t know how to think any other way. I don’t care about the year or the team; that doesn’t matter. You either go for it or you don’t.
Pete Carroll
During the third day of the NFL draft in April, the Raiders selected Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. They also have Leki Fotu and Jonah Laulu competing for a starting position alongside Adam Butler, who signed a three-year extension in the offseason. Las Vegas evaluated veteran defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson on Tuesday.I’m counting on [Wilson] to do big things.
Pete Carroll
Crosby added: “I trust those guys. I know they’ll be ready when game day comes, because we need them.”Tonka, J.J., you have Tyree [Wilson] getting reps on the inside, and he’s also gotten reps on the inside in recent years, but we have a lot of talent.
Maxx Crosby
