Last summer on HBO’s Hard Knocks, fans learned that the New York Giants had Christian Wilkins on their board heading into the 2024 offseason. Instead, they opted to trade for Brian Burns, who they signed to a five-year deal after acquiring him from the Carolina Panthers. Wilkins ended up signing a five-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fast forward a year later: Burns is heading into his second season on the Giants’ defense, while Wilkins was surprisingly released by the Raiders this past week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, with a designation as a terminated vested veteran. Due to the handling of his rehab from a foot injury that limited him to just five games in 2024, Las Vegas voided the remaining $35.2 million on his deal — a move Wilkins has since filed a grievance over.
With Wilkins now available and likely to begin meeting with teams soon, should the G-Men take another look and potentially reunite him with his former Clemson teammate, Dexter Lawrence? Let’s dive into the possibility.
Giants could make sense for Christian Wilkins... depending on the numbers
First, the injury — and why he was released. Wilkins was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list by the Raiders before his release, meaning he wasn’t immediately ready to go. It’s a similar situation to Andrew Thomas and Eric Gray, who were also placed on the PUP list.
But players can be activated off it at any time once cleared. The sticking point came when Vegas wanted Wilkins to undergo another surgery on his foot, which he declined. As a result, they released him and voided the remainder of his contract due to him “failing to maintain his physical condition to play.” That’s a legitimate concern — and the Giants may not want to inherit that situation with a veteran player.
Then there’s the money. If Wilkins doesn’t win his grievance and seeks another major payday like he did last year, Big Blue might not be in the mix this time around. They already have money tied up across the roster, and with their current cap situation, it wouldn’t be the most logical fit. However, if the grievance falls in Wilkins’ favor and the Raiders are on the hook for the $35 million, that opens the door for teams — including New York — to offer him a veteran minimum deal.
In that scenario, they could potentially land a player of Wilkins’ caliber for just over $1 million. That’s a bargain. Of course, the other key factor is the injury. If surgery is ultimately required, the team would need clarity on how long he’d be sidelined and whether he’d even play at all in 2025.
Ideally, if Wilkins is expected to return at some point this season and is interested in reuniting with Lawrence while joining a rising Giants defense, the best move might be a veteran-minimum deal with a spot on the PUP list until he’s ready.
Wilkins’ ability to stop the run and line up next to one of the best in the game in Lawrence, is a scary thought for opposing offenses. Add his interior pass rush presence, and the idea becomes even more intriguing. Picture a front that includes Wilkins and Lawrence in the middle, flanked by Kayvon Thibodeaux, Burns, and Abdul Carter coming off the edge. That’s the type of setup that might tempt Joe Schoen to make a move.
Of course, it all hinges on the outcome of Wilkins’ grievance and where he wants to play. And most importantly, whether the Giants are still interested. In a perfect world, he plays for a minimal salary and stays healthy. A lot has to fall into place before that becomes a reality. Depending on league-wide interest and whether another team makes the first move, this situation is very much a wait-and-see.