Las Vegas Raiders fans were shocked to learn that their team had parted ways with Christian Wilkins, their prized 2024 offseason acquisition. Let’s take a look at the reactions on social media, particularly from Raider Nation.
In what can be described as the first “shocking” development of training camp, Raiders brass (spearheaded by general manager John Spytek) opted to go in a different direction. Well, that’s putting it nicely. The official statement was uncompromising.
“We have decided that it is in the best interest of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins and he has been informed of this release from the team. This franchise has a ‘Commitment to Excellence’ on and off the field. 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.”
—Raiders statement on Wilkins’ release
Here’s the thing: it’s not such a simple story. Wilkins and the Raiders originally agreed to a $110 million contract last offseason. On Thursday, the team opted to designate him as a terminated, vested veteran. Basically, he’s not subject to waivers.
If you recall, Wilkins only played in five games last season before a foot injury took him out. Upon entering training camp, the Raiders placed him on the PUP list—naturally, that cast doubt as to whether he’d be available for the start of the season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders took issue with how Wilkins went about rehabbing after his surgery. As a result, the team voided what was left of his $35.2 million in guaranteed money.
Also of note was that league insider Ian Rapoport stated that the organization wanted him to undergo another surgery but Wilkins declined. He opted to rehab his foot without additional surgery. Now, the Raiders will be without former general manager Tom Telesco’s prized free agent signing. Raider Nation, as we all know, had a lot to say and didn’t hold back.
Raider Nation reacts to shocking Christian Wilkins news…
Christian Wilkins #wenttothatisland
— raidersTANKszn (@raiderstankszn) July 24, 2025
Christian Wilkins got injured on a dumb celebration…
Then refused to listen to doctors on how to properly recover.
The definition of densely irresponsible, good riddance.
Clemson trash
— CJ (@Th3GhostRaider) July 25, 2025
Are y’all still fighting me or can we finally admit it—signing Christian Wilkins wasn’t a good move.
— Obi (@3THWENT) July 25, 2025
Boy that video got him out of here damn. #Raiders
— Phil Jones (@PhilJonesNFL) July 24, 2025
There’s our off season drama.
We are so back Raider Nation. #RaiderNation https://t.co/jQUVJwSjgC pic.twitter.com/XKbwpHX0Xl— Murf (@_Murf) July 25, 2025
In the end we are trading for Trey Hendrickson so this is a win
pic.twitter.com/m4A3OTJFCA— Lunaticø (@CanRaidersWin) July 25, 2025
Bug guys and foot injuries are a bad combination no matter who it is. https://t.co/qQlDiNK0Fx
— Phil Robinson III (@PhilRobinsonIII) July 25, 2025
Funniest sh*t about this is that Christian Wilkins wasn’t a better Raider than Tommy Kelly
— Drew has no sources (@Raiders2Mainey) July 25, 2025
At the end of the day, whether Wilkins plays this season and how the Raiders perform will lead us to revisit this story at some point. Clearly, this means we won’t have a quiet offseason without drama. Right, folks?
*Top Photo: Getty Images