Andrew Buller-Russ
Most of the top NFL free agents have already signed new deals, but there’s one who many have forgotten about, largely because he didn’t play a single snap last season. Yet, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Dolphins and Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is interested in returning to the NFL in 2026.
He’s still rehabbing the foot injury that wiped out his season in 2025, but the 30-year-old has also reportedly heard from 26 of the NFL’s 32 teams this offseason. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, it’s not hard to see why teams would have such interest in the former 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Remember, this is a DT who recorded nine sacks in 2023. That set him up for a four-year, $110 million contract from the Raiders in free agency. Less than a year later, he was released from the team after playing in just five games.
Despite his odd release from the Raiders, several teams are “waiting for Wilkins to be ready.” As Schefter reports, “Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.” So, who should sign him? Let’s have a look.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars may want to inject even more talent into their defensive line, especially up the middle. Yet, with no draft selections until the 56th overall pick, that may be tough to do at this stage. Plus, they likely have other priorities than selecting a DT at 56. Meanwhile, the Jaguars could potentially find a solution by signing Wilkins in free agency. Best of all, he won’t impact the compensatory pick formula, which should make Jaguars general manager James Gladstone happy.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Wilkins has played six seasons in the NFL, but he’s only made it to the playoffs twice and has yet to get a postseason win. That could change by signing with a team like the Chiefs, who have reached the playoffs in 11 of 13 seasons under Andy Reid. Plus, with Chris Jones right next to him, Wilkins shouldn’t face many double teams.
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Denver Broncos
The Broncos already have one of the NFL’s very best defenses, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth. Plus, Denver did lose John Franklin-Myers to the Titans in free agency. Wilkins could not only replace JFM, but he may be an even better player. Plus, joining the AFC West gives him a chance to face the Raiders at least twice a year, giving him a chance to stick it to his old team.
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Minnesota Vikings
Another strong fit could be in Minnesota with the Vikings, where he’d get to reunite with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, his head coach in Miami for the first three seasons of Wilkins’ career. Plus, after the Vikings released two former Pro Bowl DTs in Johnathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, they could use another threat up the middle, but they may prefer a run-stuffer to pair with Jalen Redmond instead.
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New York Giants
With Wilkins seemingly drawing interest from practically every team, he can essentially pick his next destination. That could lead him to reunite with his former college teammate at Clemson, Dexter Lawrence, who is a franchise cornerstone on the New York Giants. Lawrence wanted the Giants to pursue Wilkins in free agency in 2024; he could push the front office to do the same, especially now that he’ll come at a much more affordable rate.
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