The Las Vegas Raiders made a big impact on the first day of free agency, signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract.
While many praised the Raiders for signing the former Miami Dolphin, not everyone was thrilled with the move. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon slammed the signing in a story about the “best and worst contracts signed this offseason.”
“The five-year veteran has never been a first- or second-team All-Pro or a Pro Bowler, he’s never posted double-digit sacks, he’s registered five total takeaways in five seasons, and he’s never put up a double-digit approximate value rating at Pro Football Reference (typically the threshold for stardom, and a mark that more than 100 players reached in 2023),” Gagnon wrote in an article published on March 20.
“Should Wilkins really be the NFL’s fifth-highest paid defensive player? The market is what it is, but I feel the Raiders will regret their decision.”
The Raiders are paying a high price for Wilkins, but if they hadn’t, another team would have, with DAZN describing Wilkins as “one of the most coveted players on the market.”
Peter Schrager of Fox Sports commented on “Good Morning Football” that he “loves this fit.”
“Christian Wilkins is the perfect Raider. Beloved by teammates; the ultimate adversary for opponents. His game, with Crosby and that engine, is all silver and black. “I love this fit,” Schrager stated.
Will the Las Vegas Raiders regret Christian Wilkins’ contract?
The Raiders most likely paid slightly more for Wilkins, but such is the nature of free agency. However, the team has reason to believe this will be a worthwhile contract. Wilkins is only 28 and in the prime of his career. This is only his second contract, so there isn’t much tread on his tyres.
