Why Raiders overpaid for DT Christian Wilkins

Why the move was made?

If a player’s success is measured by the number of Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro nods, then DT Christian Wilkins is definitely OVERPAID. He doesn’t have one next to his name.

Still, new Las Vegas Raiders GM Tom Telesco understood the value of pairing his 2x second-team All-Pro DE Maxx Crosby with a bonafide impact player--enter Wilkins.

For the past two seasons, the Raiders front office has made a concerted effort in rebuilding the team’s defensive line.

In 2022, then GM Dave Ziegler (now a Saints advisor) made the following plays to address the interior:

• Signed DT Andrew Billings to one-year deal

• Signed DT Bilal Nichols to two-year deal

• Drafted DT Neil Farrell in R4 (No. 126) in trade up w/Vikings

• Drafted DT Matthew Butler in R5 (No. 175)

• Claimed DT Jerry Tillery off waiver wire from LA Chargers

All but one of those five players currently remain on the 2024 roster…

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In 2023, the shotgun approach continued for Ziegler when it came to finding a serviceable defensive tackle:

• Signed DT Adam Butler to one-year deal

• Signed DT John Jenkins to one-year deal

• Drafted DT Byron Young in R3 (No. 70)

If you’re doing the math, that’s a total of eight transactions that focused on one position over a two-year span. Simply put--not good.

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However, 2024 showcased a new vibe…

Telesco understood the need to do much better than his predecessor and was well aware that he would have to slightly overpay for the No. 1 ranked DT on most team’s boards which was Wilkins.

In my valuation vs. evaluation of the player, I had Wilkins valued in the $18-$20M APY (annual per year) range. That would be right below San Francisco 49ers DT Javon Hargrave & Indianapolis Colts DT DeForest Buckner ($21M APY).

Do you think Wilkins is better than those two players?

How about New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams ($24.5M APY), Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons ($23.5M APY), OR Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike ($24.5M APY)?

I would be quick to tell you that Wilkins is no where close to their level--AT LEAST not yet. That’s All-Pro conversation.