Team felt like it had no choice but to move on from injured defensive tackle
Friday, the day after the Las Vegas Raiders’ stunning decision to release and move away from injured standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, head coach Pete Carroll met with the media.
Carroll didn’t go deep into the team’s reasons to move way from Wilkins, but he did flatly say, after careful and lengthy deliberations, the team’s brass decided that they saw no easy path for Wilkins to get back to the playing field. Now, the franchise decided to move on.
“We’re keeping it real clear with what we said, I think there was no clear path for his return,” Carroll said Friday. “So, we just had to move on.”
#Raiders HC Pete Carroll said they spent a lot of time deliberating how to handle things with DT Christian Wilkins. They ultimately moved on because they didn’t believe there was a path for him to return to play.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 25, 2025
There have been reports that the team and Wilkins disagreed on his recovery plan. The team reportedly wanted him to have a surgery, but Wilkins balked, causing a major issue between the two sides, causing the Raiders to issue a terse (and unusual) statement about his release.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 24, 2025
Wilkins was recovering from a Jones fracture in his foot that prematurely ended his initial season in Week 5. It was reported during OTAs that he suffered a setback in his recovery, which required another surgery. After signing a four-year, $110 million contract in free agency last year, Wilkins played in just five games for the Raiders, collecting 17 tackles, two sacks and two TFLs.
The Raiders are also voiding the remaining guaranteed money on Wilkins’ contract, and he filed a grievance with the NFLPA, per The Athletic’s Tashan Reed. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided more information on the matter in the video below.
Carroll said he hopes this move sends a message about the team’s goals.
Carroll when asked later if he thinks a message was sent about the #Raiders‘ standard moving forward: “I hope so. We have extremely high expectations. … You’re either going for it or you’re not, and we’re going for it. … These guys are onboard. They get it.” https://t.co/eKN47Orf5I
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 25, 2025
IT has been reported that the Wilkins may soon start taking visits wit other teams. New England coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Friday the team will talk about signing Wilkins.
It will be interesting to see what’s next for the player. The Raiders clearly don’t think he’s close to playing.