Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders shift their focus to offseason roster building, NFL analysts have united around a clear priority: re-signing key free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Acquired via trade deadline last season, Wilkins quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense, delivering impactful performances that helped the team clinch a wildcard spot. His impending free agency has sparked widespread concern among analysts, who argue that letting Wilkins walk would create a massive void in the defensive line—one that would be costly and difficult to fill in the current market. Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down why analysts view Wilkins as indispensable, the risks of losing him, and how a new contract could align with the Raiders’ long-term competitive goals.

Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with Wilkins’ immediate impact in Las Vegas, which has become the cornerstone of analysts’ arguments. In 10 games with the Raiders, Wilkins recorded 5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback pressures—numbers that ranked him among the top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL over that stretch. Beyond stats, he transformed the Raiders’ run defense: before his arrival, the team allowed 145 rushing yards per game (28th in the league); after, that number dropped to 108 yards per game (15th). Analysts highlight his versatility—able to play both 3-technique and nose tackle—as a key asset, allowing defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to rotate formations without sacrificing talent. “Wilkins isn’t just a good player—he’s a system fit,” said ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who ranks Wilkins as the No. 3 free agent overall. “The Raiders’ defense went from inconsistent to reliable once he joined. Losing him would mean going back to square one on that line.” Even more, Wilkins’ leadership—he hosted weekly film sessions with young defensive linemen—has been praised as a intangible that can’t be replaced by a new signing.

Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders next explores the scarcity of Wilkins’ skill set in the 2024 free agent market, a key factor driving analysts’ urgency. This offseason’s defensive tackle class is widely viewed as weak, with no other player combining Wilkins’ pass-rushing production (19 sacks over the past three seasons) and run-stopping ability (89 tackles for loss since 2021). Analysts note that teams in need of defensive line help—like the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers—are likely to pursue Wilkins aggressively, driving up his price tag. “If the Raiders let Wilkins hit free agency, they’ll be competing with teams that have more cap space and deeper playoff hopes,” warned NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “There’s no Plan B here—no other free agent can do what Wilkins does. They either pay him now or regret it later.” Analysts also point to recent contract trends: top defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams and Jeffery Simmons signed deals averaging \(27–\)30 million per year, suggesting Wilkins could command a similar price—but argue the investment is worth it for a player in his prime (28 years old) with a proven track record of durability (no major injuries since 2020).

Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into the long-term cost of replacing Wilkins, which analysts say far outweighs the short-term cap hit of a new contract. If the Raiders let Wilkins leave, they would likely need to sign two players—a pass-rushing defensive tackle and a run-stopping nose tackle—to fill his role, which could cost more combined than re-signing Wilkins alone. Additionally, drafting a replacement would require a high draft pick (likely a first or second rounder), which the Raiders don’t have this year (they traded their 2024 first-round pick in the Wilkins trade). “Replacing Wilkins isn’t just about money—it’s about assets,” said Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson. “The Raiders don’t have the draft capital to find a young replacement, and the free agent market doesn’t have a comparable option. Letting him go would set their defense back 2–3 years.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this reality is compounded by their playoff aspirations: with Kirk Cousins under contract for two more years, the team is in a “win-now” window, and losing a key defensive piece like Wilkins could derail that momentum. Analysts note that Super Bowl-contending teams—like the Chiefs and 49ers—prioritize retaining core defensive players, even if it means higher cap costs.

Another layer of Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders is the impact Wilkins has on his teammates, which analysts argue makes him even more valuable. His presence has elevated the play of defensive end Maxx Crosby, who recorded 8 sacks in the 10 games with Wilkins (compared to 4 sacks in the first 6 games without him). Crosby himself has publicly advocated for re-signing Wilkins, saying, “Christian makes everyone around him better. He draws double teams, which frees me up to get to the quarterback. We need him here to keep this defense growing.” Analysts also highlight Wilkins’ role in the locker room—he’s a vocal leader who holds teammates accountable, a trait the Raiders have lacked on defense in recent years. “Wilkins is a culture builder,” said former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi. “He sets the standard for work ethic and preparation, and that rubs off on the younger players. Losing that kind of leader hurts more than stats can show.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, who have struggled with locker room cohesion in the past, retaining Wilkins isn’t just about on-field performance—it’s about maintaining a winning culture.

Re-Signing Free Agent Urged by Analysts for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the practical steps analysts say the Raiders should take to get a deal done. Most recommend structuring the contract with a lower base salary in the first year and higher bonuses later, which would help the Raiders manage their 2024 cap space (they currently have about $25 million in available cap). Analysts also suggest adding incentives tied to team success (playoff appearances, Super Bowl wins) to align Wilkins’ compensation with the team’s goals. “A team-friendly structure can make this work,” said NFL salary cap expert Joel Corry. “The Raiders can pay Wilkins what he’s worth without crippling their cap flexibility for next year.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the message from analysts is clear: re-signing Wilkins isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a necessity if they want to remain competitive in the AFC West and contend for a Super Bowl. As one analyst put it, “The Raiders have a choice: invest in a player who makes their defense elite, or take a step back and rebuild. Given their current roster, the choice should be easy.” With free agency set to open in March, all eyes will be on the Raiders’ front office to see if they heed the analysts’ advice and keep Wilkins in silver and black.