Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates after a penalty overturned a scoring play by the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raiders tiptoe around release of DT Christian Wilkins

Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll refused to comment on the reported human resources complaint that led to the team releasing $110 million defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Carroll said Tuesday that he had nothing to add on the matter beyond his July 25 comment that the Raiders saw “no clear path to his return.”

“Really I don’t. I have no comment to make,” Carroll said. “We made a decision on what we’re doing and we’re moving with it. We’ll see how that all unveils itself in time.”

Wilkins signed with the Raiders in March 2024 but was released last Thursday. ESPN reported Wilkins attempted to kiss a teammate on top of the head in the locker room and the action was not appreciated — resulting in a complaint filed with the franchise’s human resources department. The Raiders have not confirmed the report nor the effort to void the final $35.2 million in guarantees remaining on the deal.

Las Vegas had placed him on the physically unable to perform list before the start of training camp. Wilkins, 29, had been working his way back from a season-ending Jones fracture to his left foot. The team claimed it discussed a second surgical procedure with Wilkins, NFL Network reported, and he didn’t fully comply.

Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association in an attempt to recoup the guaranteed money, according to multiple reports.

He hasn’t played in a game since October, when he was placed on injured reserve. Wilkins recorded 17 tackles and two sacks in five games (all starts) before having season-ending surgery.

Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed as an unrestricted free agent, and at his energetic introductory press conference, described himself as a character and “sick, twisted individual up here.”

With no clarification from Raiders’ decision-makers, teammates have been left to try to tiptoe around what has become an increasingly murky situation.

“We pretty much kind of moved on from the situation. I really don’t want to comment further on it,” defensive tackle Adam Nelson said.

“But I will say, whatever you’re going through as a person — athlete, non-athlete — whatever your struggle is, you got something going on in life, just talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Whatever your deal is, is your deal. Somebody out there in this world full of millions of people is willing to listen. Willing to listen, hear you out, and work through whatever you need to work through. But don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.”

–Field Level Media

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) participates in the scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium, Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Miami Gardens.

Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins sits out, seeks new deal

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins skipped team drills on Wednesday due to his ongoing contract negotiations.

The 2019 first-round draft pick (13th overall) has started every game the past two seasons and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He is set to earn $10.75 million this season on his fifth-year option but is seeking a long-term contract.

Wilkins, 27, has been attending practice this week but has remained on the sidelines during team drills.

“Christian is such a good player, such an important person in the locker room who has made it clear he feels that his play is deserving of a contract,” head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday, per ESPN. “We would agree, as the Miami Dolphins organization. Henceforth, we are in negotiations, as a result, he has not participated in team [drills]. When he next participates, that’ll be up to him.”

McDaniel said he is “comfortable” with the situation and has remained in constant contact with Wilkins throughout the negotiation process.

A team captain the past two seasons, Wilkins has recorded 290 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and one interception in 64 games (60 starts).

Many of his NFL contemporaries have signed lucrative deals this offseason. The Washington Commanders’ Daron Payne signed a four-year, $90 million extension, and the New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence will earn $87.5 million over his four-year pact. The Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons got a four-year, $94 million deal, and the New York Jets signed Quinnen Williams to a four-year, $96 million contract.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Phillip Lindsay (30) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colts elevate RBs Phillip Lindsay, Jordan Wilkins

With Jonathan Taylor sidelined for Sunday’s game at New England, the Indianapolis Colts elevated running backs Phillip Lindsay and Jordan Wilkins from the practice squad on Saturday.

Lindsay and Wilkins join presumed starter Deon Jackson and newly acquired Zack Moss on the active roster in a new-look backfield for the Colts (3-4-1) against the Patriots (4-4).

Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing champion, was ruled out Friday with a nagging ankle injury that kept him out of two games earlier this season. He leads the team with 462 yards and a touchdown on 107 carries.

Jackson rushed 25 times for 104 yards and a touchdown in the two games in which Taylor didn’t play. He has five carries for minus-4 yards in the other three games in which he has appeared.

Moss was acquired from Buffalo on Tuesday in a trade that sent fellow running back Nyheim Hines to the Bills. He ran 17 times for 91 yards and caught seven passes for 27 yards in five games this season with Buffalo.

Lindsay has played in two games for the Colts in 2022, rushing for 47 yards and adding six receptions for 19 yards.

Wilkins was signed to the practice squad Wednesday. He played in 49 games (four starts) with Indianapolis from 2018-21, gaining 1,184 yards from scrimmage with four touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores talks with middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins place three on reserve/COVID-19 list

Two defensive starters were among three players added to the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday by the Miami Dolphins.

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins were placed on the list along with undrafted rookie receiver Matt Cole.

Placement on the list means a player has either tested positive for the coronavirus or came in close contact with an infected person.

The Dolphins (5-3) also announced the return of rookie wideout Lynn Bowden Jr. from the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (2-6).

Van Noy, 29, has 33 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries in seven games (six starts) in his first season with Miami. He split his first six seasons with Detroit and New England, winning two Super Bowls with the Patriots.

Wilkins, 24, has 28 tackles, one sack and one interception in eight games (six starts) this season. He was Miami’s first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

–Field Level Media