In the short term, the Las Vegas Raiders are clinging to a faint postseason chance in 2023, with a challenging schedule after their bye week and four teams piled ahead of them for the seventh and final AFC playoff position. Long term, it is evident that with the right coach and a few guys added in Raiders free agency, this team has the potential to be very competitive again very quickly.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report examined one intriguing Raiders free agent addition to consider: Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, the kind of imposing veteran inside presence the defense is lacking.
While the Raiders have improved defensively throughout the season, they remain one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping the run, ranking 30th in yardage allowed on the ground
That’s where Wilkins, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 310 pounds, comes in. Sticking him in the middle of the Raiders defense would not only help the Raiders stop the run, but would also help occupy blockers, giving studs like Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane more freedom to make plays.
That’s where Wilkins, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 310 pounds, comes in. Sticking him in the middle of the Raiders defense would not only help the Raiders stop the run, but would also help occupy blockers, giving studs like Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane more freedom to make plays.
To that end, B/R has Wilkins joining the Raiders in free agency in 2024.
“For this defensive front, Christian Wilkins would be a force multiplier.” He’s the most dominant inside defender available in free agency, aside from Chris Jones. “He’s an elite run stopper who is having his best pass-rushing season to date,” the outlet noted this week.
and 31st with an average of 4.4 yards per carry allowed.
Part of the problem for this squad as it finishes the season and prepares for Raiders free agency in 2024 is that it is unclear whether interim coach Antonio Pierce and interim general manager Champ Kelly will be in charge. But, regardless of who it is, there is talent—and money.
“Whoever is hired as general manager this offseason must be ready to go.” On defense, there are solid components in place for a swift turnaround. The Raiders are also ranked 10th in cap space for 2024, so spending should not be an issue,” according to B/R.
According to Spotrac, the Raiders now have the eighth most cap space in the NFL, with $53.1 million available. Wilkins will not be cheap—Spotrac estimates his market worth to be $78 million over four years, and he would eat up more than $22 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
However, given the Raiders’ freSean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter for Heavy.com who focuses on the NBA and NFL. He has been writing for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the Sporting News’ lead NBA reporter. Deveney’s nonfiction books include “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley Became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More information on Sean Deveney
e-agent needs and how much a run-stopper would improve the entire defense, he would be worth the expenditure.
