The Las Vegas Raiders are holding onto a remote possibility of making the postseason in 2023 because they have a tough schedule after their bye week and four teams stacked higher above them for the seventh and final AFC playoff berth. In the long run, it’s evident that this team has a chance to soon return to being highly competitive with the addition of a few players via Raiders free agency and the appropriate coach.
Considering this, Bleacher Report examined a noteworthy free agent signing for the Raiders to think about: Christian Wilkins, a defensive lineman for the Dolphins who would provide the defense with an intimidating, experienced inside presence that it now lacks.
Even though the Raiders’ defense has improved over the season, they are still among the NFL’s worst teams when it comes to stopping the run, ranking 30th in terms of yards allowed on the ground and 31st with an average of 4.4 yards per carry allowed.
That’s where a massive 6-foot-4, 310-pound man like Wilkins enters the picture. Placing him in the center of the Raiders defense would help the team not only stop the run but also occupy blockers, giving players like Robert Spillane and Maxx Crosby a little more leeway to make plays.
Christian Wilkins a ‘Force Multiplier’
In light of this, B/R projects Wilkins will join the Raiders in 2024 via free agency and head to Las Vegas.
“For this defensive front, Christian Wilkins would be a force multiplier. He is the most dominant inside defender who is eligible for free agency, aside from Chris Jones. This week, the website stated, “He’s an excellent run-stopper and is having his best pass-rushing campaign to date.”
“The Raiders need his kind of presence to help rookie Tyree Wils
on and Maxx Crosby reach their full potential.”
Wilkins has performed admirably against the run, as usual. He has a 72.8 grade versus the run out of 127 interior defenders rated by Pro Football Focus, which puts him in 15th place in the NFL. Although he is not as effective against the pass, he still ranks 17th among defensive lineman overall (75.5).
Plenty of Money to Spend in Raiders Free Agency
It’s unclear if interim general manager Champ Kelly and interim coach Antonio Pierce will be in charge of the team as it wraps out its current campaign and starts to consider Raiders free agency in 2024. But regardless of who it is, money and talent are available.
“This summer, the general manager position needs to be filled quickly and with a strong team. On defense, there are strong players in place for a speedy recovery. Additionally, the Raiders rank 10th in terms of 2024 cap space, so budget should not be a problem, according to B/R.
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