Why The NY Jets Should Not Target Christian Wilkins

New York Jets fans are advocating for the team to sign defensive tackle Christian Wilkins following his release by the Las Vegas Raiders, but this move is deemed illogical. Wilkins, 29, was drafted 13th overall by Miami in 2019 and recorded 355 tackles and 20.5 sacks over five seasons, including a standout 2023 campaign. He joined the Raiders last offseason on a $110 million contract but suffered a season-ending foot injury after just five games in 2024.

After undergoing surgery and being placed on the PUP list, the Raiders released Wilkins and attempted to reclaim $35.2 million in guaranteed funds, alleging mishandling of his injury rehabilitation. Wilkins contested this via the NFL Players Association and ultimately received $49.7 million despite minimal playtime. While fans view him as a solution for the Jets' defensive tackle needs behind Quinnen Williams—citing his disruptive history as a division rival—multiple concerns make this pursuit inadvisable.

Significant medical uncertainties exist: Wilkins is recovering from a major foot injury at age 30, casting doubt on his 2025 availability. Beyond physical risks, locker room issues contributed to his release; reports indicate an unspecified "incident" with a teammate. This conflicts with the Jets' ongoing cultural reset under new leadership, making his potential addition a risk for renewed dysfunction.