The Las Vegas Raiders swung for the fences at the start of free agency by inking Christian Wilkins to a four-year deal worth $110 million. There were reports that the Raiders were interested in prying Chris Jones away from the Chiefs but after Jones opted to remain in KC, the Raiders had to move to Plan B. That plan was to nab Wilkins in free agency and the deal is done.
Pairing Wilkins and Maxx Crosby for the next several years gives the Raiders one of the most lethal pass rushes in the NFL and fans can't wait to see this duo terrorize opposing offenses.
How are Raiders fans and the media handling the Christian Wilkins news?
Christian & Maxx bout to go CRAZY this year!
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) March 11, 2024
Wilkins' former teammate in Miami chimed in, noting that Wilkins and Crosby are going to "go CRAZY" in 2024. He's probably right!
Maxx Crosby is surely fired up, too. He has three years and about $63 million remaining on the extension he signed in 2022. Now the #Raiders' second highest-paid D-lineman, Crosby could be next up for a new payday ... https://t.co/FJqtvanIVY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2024
This is going to be a terrifying pass rushing duo!
The discussions in Indy about Christian Wilkin's market was very entertaining. Many around the league thought his deal would be about $21-23MM.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 11, 2024
He of course blows that out of the water and joins the Raiders.
Wilkins took the best deal possible and now will join a team that's starving for some wins.
Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby meeting up at the Raiders facility pic.twitter.com/2SzHpe7dui
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 11, 2024
I really hope this is how it goes down.
Christian Wilkins has spiritually always been a Raider tbh
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 11, 2024
It feels as though Wilkins and Antonio Pierce are going to get along swimmingly.
Maxx + Christian (hopefully along with the development of Tyree Wilson) is not ideal for opposing OL’s
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) March 11, 2024
Great signing by LV
Oh man, yeah imagine if Tyree Wilson develops into the kind of player the Raiders expected him to be. This pass rush is going to be scary with just Crosby and Wilkins but if Wilson figures it out too, watch out offenses!
The Raiders need to build the best possible defense they can if they want to slow down the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in those divisional games. Adding one of the best pass rushers on the market is a great way to ensure those two quarterbacks (as well as the other quarterbacks on their schedule) have a miserable time each week.