The Kansas City Chiefs have been given a unique opportunity by the Las Vegas Raiders after a messy divorce from Christian Wilkins.
The star defender was a prized signing a year ago, but was a complete disappointment for the Raiders. Injuries marred his time with the franchise and led to a dispute that devolved far enough for Las Vegas to believe releasing the star was the best option. Now, Wilkins hits free agency with his future very much up in the air. It isn't clear where the veteran defender is in his rehab or how long it will take him to get back on the field.
Regardless, there is no team better positioned to take a chance on the star than the Chiefs. Not only are you stealing from an AFC West rival, but you are also giving yourself the possible ceiling of having a dominating duo on the inside with Wilkins and Chris Jones, one that gives the defense an incredible ceiling in what feels to be an inevitable playoff run.
Chiefs Should Sign DL Christian Wilkins After Raiders Release
The only thing that has ever stopped quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs is injuries or an incredible defensive line. Both Super Bowl losses against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles fell out of hand due to the Chiefs' inability to win up front.
This has often worked in the favor of Kansas City as well, with the team relying on Jones to make a play when they need it most. Signing Wilkins gives you an incredible ceiling if the veteran can return anything close to the impact player he was before a mysterious foot injury.
For the Chiefs, there simply isn't anything to be lost by chasing the former division rival. Wilkins has the chance to play alongside Jones and rebuild his value. Signing a prove-it deal with the hopes of making impact plays in a postseason run. This gives the defender the best chance to cash in once more in free agency and hands Kansas City a player with an elite ceiling at a fraction of the typical cost.
In 86 games (82 starts) split between the Raiders and Miami Dolphins, Wilkins has recorded 215 solo tackles, 22.5 sacks, 19 broken-up passes, four forced fumbles, and an interception.
If winning isn't motivation enough, the Chiefs can offer Wilkins the chance to exact revenge against the Raiders, playing his old team twice in the 2025 season. Another enticing incentive for the veteran to consider continuing his career with the Chiefs.