The Las Vegas Raiders made a surprise move by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The team invested money into the defender when they signed him to a four-year, $110 million deal in the 2024 NFL Free Agency.
Wilkins will have a market after his release and could land a rebuild or a playoff contender.
Cory Woodroof of USA Today’s For The Win labels the Patriots as one of five landing spots for Wilkins. Here’s what he had to say:
“The Patriots are still flushed with cash and could pay Wilkins whatever he wants to sign a multi-year deal with New England. While we’re sure it wouldn’t be a major contract, the financials are on the Pats’ side to get something done if they’re interested. Wilkins could give New England a formidable trio up front with fellow defensive linemen Milton Williams and Christian Barmore… y’know, if he’s healthy enough to play this year.”
Wilkins played in five games in his first year with the Raiders before suffering an injury that would cut his season short. In those five games, he had 2 sacks and 17 tackles.
Rotating Defensive Tackle Group
GettyNew England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore
The Patriots’ defensive line should see a massive improvement in the 2025-26 season.
Christian Barmore is set to return after dealing with blood clots that kept him out most of last season. The DT said that he doesn’t expect his medical issue to return. In his last full season played, Barmore recorded 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles.
New England signed Milton Williams to a four-year, $110 million contract with the Patriots this offseason. The Super Bowl champion logged 5 sacks and 24 tackles for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
If the Patriots were to add Wilkins, they would have an elite defensive tackle group.
Before signing with the Raiders, Wilkins totaled 9 sacks and 65 tackles in the 2023-24 season with the Miami Dolphins.
“It’s all about a dominant front,” Barmore said after the third day of training camp. “That’s all we (Milton) talk about. It leans on us. Especially the whole D-line, our linebackers and D-ends, everybody. The front play good, everybody plays good. That’s the goal every time we’re on that field we got to dominate. That’s our goal.”
Drama Brewing
GettyFree agent Christian Wilkins (right)
Christian Wilkins’s forced exit could put the Patriots in a bit of drama surrounding the D-tackle, as the Raiders are looking to void the rest of his contract guarantees.
If the Pats were to pursue Christian Wilkins, they could offer the defensive tackle a large contract.
CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles believes the Patriots shouldn’t bring Wilkins so the team can have a “drama-free offseason.”
Kyles also notes the Pats have multiple proven defensive tackles and fourth-round draft pick Joshua Farmer.
Head coach Mike Vrabel commented on Wilkins’ release, with the Patriots appearing interested.
“I think we’ll have a conversation,” Vrabel told reporters yesterday. “This is pretty new, so I don’t have all the information on where Christian is. I’ve known Christian, recruited him when he was up here in the area in Connecticut in high school, so I’m sure we’ll have a conversation.”
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