The Las Vegas Raiders surprisingly released star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on Thursday, July 24.
Wilkins was just one year into his massive $110 million contract he signed in free agency.
ESPN radio host Jake Asman believes the New York Jets should be all over this.
“I’d try and take a flyer on him if I’m the Jets. Need someone next to big Q,” Asman posted on X previously Twitter.
I’d try and take a flyer on him if I’m the Jets. Need someone next to big Q. https://t.co/o5lQXEQjCt
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) July 24, 2025
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Jets Social Media Pushes for Wilkins Addition
Jets content creator NYJ Matt urged the team to do their “due diligence” on Wilkins now that he is a free agent.
Christian Wilkins pic.twitter.com/6BNNb6FL4y
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) July 25, 2025
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“Christian Wilkins would fit in very nicely with the #Jets need at DT next to Quinnen Williams,” Jets social media account, Optimistic Jets, posted.
Christian Wilkins would fit in very nicely with the #Jets need at DT next to Quinnen Williams https://t.co/8VVfQ12pVk
— Optimistic Jets (@OptimisticJets) July 24, 2025
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Several fans also chimed in on the subject matter.
“The Jets should go sign Christian Wilkins 10 minutes ago,” one fan responded.
Another fan reiterated that same message, saying, “Jets should pounce on Christian Wilkins.”
On Paper the Wilkins-Jets Pairing Makes Plenty of Sense
Wilkins, 29, entered the league back in 2019 as the No. 13 overall pick in the first round.
He spent the first five years of his career with the Miami Dolphins. During that stretch, he registered 20.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, and 50 quarterback hits.
This past offseason, he joined the Raiders on a big-money deal. He only appeared in five games due to injury.
The Jets have Williams, a former All-Pro, but the rest of the defensive tackle room leaves much to be desired. Wilkins would be an obvious upgrade over every other name on the roster.
Why Did He Get Cut?
When something seems too good to be true, it often is.
Wilkins, by all measures, seems to be a stud, so why did the Raiders cut bait?
“ESPN sources: Raiders are releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with the designation of terminated vested veteran. His time in Las Vegas is now over,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter revealed.
“Due to how Wilkins treated the rehab from his foot injury he suffered last season, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million of guaranteed money left on Wilkins contract last month, and today, Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFLPA,” Schefter added.
“My understanding is the team wanted him to have surgery on his foot. He declined [and] declined several medical opinions, and ultimately he decided he wanted to rehab this [without surgery],” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport explained on “The Insiders.”
Wilkins is obviously very talented, but there appears to be a lot of baggage if you add him.
Las Vegas put out a statement saying, “With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season.”
That doesn’t sound like a player who is going to be ready to play in the near future. Despite the sex appeal of a move like this, the Jets might be better served letting someone else get into bed with Wilkins in 2025.