Las Vegas Raiders Add Christian Wilkins in Free Agency

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The beginning of the free agency period has been rapid-fire, to say the least. With one of the bigger splashes in the early stages of the free agency period, the Las Vegas Raiders moved quickly to bolster their defense. They quickly signed former Dolphins first-round pick Christian Wilkins to a four-year deal worth $110 million plus incentives and $84.75 million guaranteed.

The move helps solidify the defensive line for the Raiders and gives defensive end Maxx Crosby some much-needed help to disrupt opposing offenses. Wilkins instantly moves into a starting role on the interior of the defensive line and should provide a formidable duo with three-time pro bowler Crosby. Wilkins is also coming off a strong tenure with the Dolphins where he recorded 355 tackles and 20.5 sacks in five seasons. Last season he set a career-high with nine sacks.

With coach Antonio Pierce and new GM Tom Telesco making the trenches a priority for the Raiders rebuild. Bringing in Wilkins will reunite him with Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham who was with the Dolphins when Wilkins was drafted. With the addition of Wilkins, the Raiders gain a force not only on the field but off it as well. Wilkins was among the most popular among the fans of the Dolphins. Wilkins also becomes one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league behind Aaron Donald and Chris Jones.

With this big splash for the Raiders, who are still $35 million under the cap according to overthecap.com, the Raiders can now shift their focus to other needs to improve the team. With needs at running back, questions at the quarterback position, and question marks along the offensive line all need to be addressed.

Overall grade - A. Love the move by the Raiders to add Wilkins. The Raiders and their new leadership needed to address the defensive side of the ball. With an all-pro in Crosby doing all he can to disrupt and cause nightmares for opposing offenses getting a running mate to help in that is a much-needed help. With 2023 first-round selection Tyree Wilson expected to take the next step in his development pairing him with not only Crosby but now Wilkins is a great move. With the emergence of Koonce on the edge opposite Crosby, a move inside for Wilson could be in the cards.