At the start of free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders are creating a lot of noise.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said on Monday that the Raiders are poised to sign Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive
tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year contract at a base value of $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed.
After Wilkins had a career season in 2023, the Dolphins decided not to franchise tag him. Despite the Dolphins’
defense being completely destroyed by injuries in the latter part of the season, 28-year-old Wilkins recorded career
highs in sacks (nine), QB pressures (61), and QB hits (23). In his fifth NFL season, he also recorded 65 tackles (10 for
losses), one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
On NFL.com, Gregg Rosenthal’s list of the Top 101 NFL free agents of 2024 rated Wilkins second. Adam Butler, the
starter defensive lineman for the Raiders last season, and John Jenkins, his starting counterpart, Bilal Nichols, are
all unrestricted free agents.
Under new full-time head coach Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas, which finished ninth in the NFL in terms of points
allowed last season, will have two formidable players on its defensive line: pass rusher Maxx Crosby and linebacker
Wilkins, who led the league with 23 tackles for loss and recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks.
Additionally, they are two of the NFL’s best ironmen. In his five-year career, Crosby has not missed a game, and
Wilkins has started 51 straight games.
There’s a big hole on the defensive line that the Dolphins need to cover. Wilkins has been one of Miami’s finest
players in recent seasons, but he has also been one of the best leaders in the locker room throughout that time.
