It was clear the Raiders were ready to make a big time move at defensive tackle this offseason. And they finally did. They are expected to sign the top defensive tackle on the market, nabbing former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins.
Splash: One of the top free agents is off the market, as #Dolphins star DT Christian Wilkins is headed to the #Raiders, sources say.
He gets a 4-year deal worth $110M base value that includes $84.75M guaranteed in a contract done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/aKwKFIfU5T
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Outside of quarterback, no position was more crucial for the Raiders than that of defensive tackle. And Wilkins was the best one out there and therefore topped my list of free agent fits for the Raiders at any position.
They have no returning defensive interior starters since allowing Bilal Nichols and Adam Butler hit free agency and releasing Jerry Tillery. Based on that, it was clear the Raiders were ready to overhaul the position which has been in disrepair for years.
On a defense which saw just about every other area step up late last season, the missing piece was a dominant interior presence. Wilkins provides that which will help every other part of the defense, from the edge rushers, to the linebackers, to the secondary.
This is a huge signing. Good on the Raiders to make it happen.