In a move no one saw coming, the Las Vegas Raiders have officially released Christian Wilkins just one season into his massive $110 million contract. But what’s the real story behind this shocking NFL breakup? Keep reading — you won’t believe the details.

Why Did the Raiders Release Christian Wilkins After Just One Year?

In July 2025, the Raiders stunned fans and analysts alike by cutting standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, only one year into a five-year contract signed in 2024. The deal, worth a jaw-dropping $110 million, was supposed to solidify the Raiders’ defense for years. Instead, it’s now a cautionary tale.

The Raiders made the release under the “terminated vested veteran” designation, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. What does that mean? The team is voiding the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money, igniting a fierce legal and public battle that has already reached the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

Injury Drama: The Real Reason Behind Christian Wilkins’ Exit?

It all centers on Wilkins’ foot injury, suffered during a Week 5 loss to the Broncos in 2024. He missed all but five games last season, but the real issue wasn’t just the injury — it was how he handled it.

Sources, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, report a major disagreement between Wilkins and the Raiders’ medical staff. The team strongly recommended surgery. Wilkins refused — repeatedly. He reportedly declined several second opinions as well, choosing a conservative rehab path that clashed with team expectations.

By July 2025, he was still not ready to return and was seen wearing a walking boot, leading to frustration within the organization. The defensive tackle had been placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, with head coach Pete Carroll admitting, “It’s still uncertain. We sort of have to wait it out.”

Christian Wilkins’ NFL Track Record — Was He Worth the Deal?

Before joining the Raiders, Wilkins was one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen. Over six NFL seasons, he played in 86 games (82 starts) and recorded 372 total tackles, 22.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.

These stats made him a high-priority free agent in 2024. However, in his short stint with the Raiders, he managed just 11 solo tackles and 2 sacks, far below expectations.

Fallout Begins: Christian Wilkins Files Grievance with NFLPA

Hours after the release, Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA, challenging the voiding of his remaining guaranteed salary. Legal experts say this could become a landmark case over injury rights versus team authority in the NFL.

Fans and players are divided. Some side with Wilkins, citing his right to choose his medical path. Others say a $110 million contract comes with the responsibility to follow team protocols.

What’s Next for Wilkins — and the Raiders?

The immediate future is uncertain. Wilkins becomes a free agent, but his lingering injury may keep teams wary. Meanwhile, the Raiders lose a major piece of their defensive puzzle, leaving Maxx Crosby as their lone cornerstone.

Pete Carroll, in his second year as Raiders head coach, now faces serious scrutiny. Did the team move too quickly? Or was this a necessary move to establish a new culture?

NFL Fans React: “Is This the Worst Free Agent Signing of the Decade?”

NFL Twitter erupted after the announcement.

Some fans called it the biggest blunder in Raiders history. Others pointed fingers at Wilkins for not committing fully to recovery. There’s even a growing debate about whether this incident reflects deeper systemic issues in how the NFL handles player injuries and guaranteed money.

Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn from the Christian Wilkins-Raiders Fallout?

This isn’t just a story about a failed contract. It’s a rare insight into the complex world of NFL contracts, player health, and organizational control. The Christian Wilkins Raiders release saga is a wake-up call for teams and players alike — and a developing story fans won’t want to ignore.