Christian Wilkins has a free-agency problem after ugly Raiders divorce

Christian Wilkins is on the open market, but teams appear to be proceeding with caution as they consider signing the standout defensive tackle.

Wilkins was mysteriously released by the Raiders on Thursday, which the team attributed to the way he was treating the rehab for a foot injury that kept him sidelined for most of last season.

Las Vegas cut ties just one season into his five-year, $110 million pact.

Christian Wilkins during a preseason game with the Raiders on Aug. 17, 2024. AP

“He’s not healthy enough to play for the Raiders,” one head coach told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini Thursday. “Something must not be right.”

Russini also reported that Wilkins will be taking visits and undergoing physicals with possible suitors.

Las Vegas released him with the designation of terminated vested veteran and voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money left on his contract.

In a statement Thursday night, the Raiders wrote: “We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins and he has been informed of his release from the team.

“This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field. With no clear path for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season.”

Christian Wilkins with the Raiders before a preseason game on Aug. 10, 2024. AP

Wilkins spent his first five NFL seasons with the Dolphins before landing with the Raiders on that nine-figure contract before the 2024 season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Wilkins and Las Vegas were at odds over whether the player should have surgery, with the team wanting him to and Wilkins declining after receiving several opinions.

A Framingham, Mass., native who played college football at Clemson, Wilkins has compiled 22 1/2 career sacks, including nine in 2023, before signing his hefty contract with the Raiders.

He played just five games for Las Vegas last season, totaling 11 solo tackles, six quarterback hits and two sacks.

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