Jets Eyeing Controversial Ex-Raider Wilkins in Free Agency

The pass-rushing defensive tackle is looking to sign with a new team after an odd exit from Las Vegas.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:26pm

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The New York Jets have been busy revamping their defense this offseason, adding several key players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Demario Davis. However, the team's pass rush could still use a boost, and they may have an intriguing option in free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Wilkins signed a lucrative deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 but was released after an injury-plagued 2025 season. Despite the murky circumstances around his departure from the Raiders, Wilkins is reportedly fully intent on playing in 2026, and 26 teams have already expressed interest in signing him.

Why it matters

The Jets struggled to get to the quarterback in 2025, recording just 26 sacks - the second-fewest in the league. Adding a talented pass rusher like Wilkins, who had 9 sacks in 2023 with the Dolphins, could provide a significant boost to their defensive front. If the Jets can sign Wilkins to a low-cost, one-year deal, it could be a savvy move to upgrade their pass rush without breaking the bank.

The details

Wilkins signed a 4-year, $110 million contract with the Raiders in 2024 after a breakout season with the Dolphins. However, he played in just 5 games for the Raiders in 2025 before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. The Raiders then released him before the 2026 season. The details around his exit from Las Vegas have not been made public, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Wilkins 'fully intends' to play in 2026 and that 26 teams have already reached out to express interest in signing him.

  • Wilkins signed a 4-year, $110 million contract with the Raiders in 2024.
  • Wilkins played in 5 games for the Raiders in 2025 before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.
  • The Raiders released Wilkins before the 2026 season.

The players

Christian Wilkins

A defensive tackle who had a breakout season with 9 sacks for the Miami Dolphins in 2023 before signing a lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. He was released by the Raiders in 2025 after an injury-plagued season.

Minkah Fitzpatrick

A five-time Pro Bowl safety who the Jets acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins to help bolster their secondary.

Demario Davis

A linebacker who the Jets have reunited with this offseason after previously playing for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Free-agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta. So far 26 teams have reached out and are waiting for Wilkins to be ready, and Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Jets will monitor Wilkins' recovery from his foot injury and look to sign him once he is fully healthy and ready to play in 2026.

The takeaway

The Jets have been aggressive in upgrading their defense this offseason, and adding a talented pass rusher like Christian Wilkins on a team-friendly deal could be a low-risk, high-reward move that helps bolster their pass rush and take their defense to the next level.