Nearly every NFL team has reached out about signing Christian Wilkins, the lineman reportedly cut by the Raiders after kissing a teammate on the head.
That is according to a new report by ESPN about the 30-year-old defensive tackle, who is hoping to play in the 2026 season.
Wilkins was cut by Las Vegas – a year into his $110m contract – after he reportedly kissed a teammate in the locker room. It was described as ‘playful’ but the unidentified teammate did not appear to see it that way.
The incident was reported to the Raiders’ human resources department and there have been claims this week that the situation is proving a ‘tough one to overcome’ for rival teams.
At the time, however, reports claimed the kiss was not the sole reason for Wilkins’ exit, with concern also raised over how the defensive lineman treated his injury rehab from injury.
Wilkins is still recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot suffered in October 2024, according to ESPN.
Raiders star Christian Wilkins was cut by the team after he reportedly kissed a teammate
The 30-year-old defensive tackle is hoping to play in the 2026 season, according to reports
The Raiders, who are co-owned by Tom Brady, released Wilkins a year into his $110m deal
Twenty six teams have reportedly reached out about the defensive tackle and are waiting on the 30-year-old.
Wilkins is ‘expected to have a new home as soon as he wants,’ reports claim. That is despite him not having played in the NFL since October 2024.
Back in July 2025, according to reports, the Raiders believed Wilkins needed surgery on his foot injury but the player ‘balked’ at the idea.
Las Vegas then voided the guaranteed money left on his deal – a reported $35.2million – due to his ‘failure to maintain his physical condition to play.’
Following his release, Wilkins asked the NFL Players Association to file a grievance on his behalf. There has been no reported outcome in the case.
Wilkins was taken in the first round by the Miami Dolphins back in 2019. He spent five seasons in Miami before joining the Raiders.
