Christian Wilkins signed a massive deal in March, reaching an agreement for $110 million over four years. It seems General Manager Tom Telesco and the Las Vegas Raiders are ecstatic about their new defensive lineman.
In an interview discussing the Raiders’ new additions, Telesco spoke highly of the former Tiger. “We try and be very selective in who we sign,” said Telesco. “[but] to find that interior defensive lineman that can not only play the run but play the pass, and has the character and work ethic,” was exactly what they were looking for.
The 28-year-old DT wasn’t only lauded for just his physical attributes. Telesco was impressed with how fast Wilkins stepped into the Raiders’ leadership. But it shouldn’t be a surprise with Wilkins being a two-time captain at Miami.
“Christian, he’s a natural leader,” Telesco said. “Even though he’s a veteran, even though he’s played in the league, when you come to a new team, sometimes guys will take a step back and kind of see the lay of the land. He walked in here, and he just leads naturally right away, and that’s kind of rare to see…
“The day that we signed him… he was out here on the field getting his workout in… That’s what we want to see. They’re here to play football. Work ethic is a big part of it, especially when you sign a big contract. So, he’s fit right in with us.”
Wilkins joins Pro Bowler defensive end, Maxx Crosby, rounding out one of the most dangerous DL rooms in the league.