One of the biggest names in free agency this offseason was no question defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The massive DT has been a force with the Dolphins, but Miami let him walk and they're now getting ready to see him suit up in Sin City.
Less than 90 minutes after the legal tampering period began, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Wilkins and the Raiders came to terms on a blockbuster four-year, $110 million deal with $84.75 million in guaranteed money. This move will make Raiders head man Antonio Pierce happy, but you better believe NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen must be smiling too. Why, you ask?
Splash: One of the top free agents is off the market, as #Dolphins star DT Christian Wilkins is headed to the #Raiders, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
He gets a 4-year deal worth $110M base value that includes $84.75M guaranteed in a contract done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/aKwKFIfU5T
The Dexter Lawrence contract feels like a bargain thanks to Christian Wilkins
Last May, the Giants inked Dexter Lawrence to a four-year extension as well, but for $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed. No disrespect to Wilkins, but Lawrence is a better player and Schoen was able to make him happy with way less money.
After earning Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2022, Sexy Dexy followed that up with another All-Pro campaign in 2023 as well. He posted a career-high 68 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in '22 and Lawrence followed that up with 53 more tackles and 4.5 sacks this past campaign.
Sure, the numbers were down, but that doesn't take away from how dominant Lawrence was in the trenches for former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. On a consistent basis, Lawrence is one of the best players on the field whenever the G-Men are in action.
Dexter Lawrence is now the 8th highest paid player at his position after Wilkins' deal with the Raiders.
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) March 11, 2024
We get that salaries are going to be a bit inflated this offseason thanks to the salary cap being spiked to $255.4 million, but did anyone think Wilkins would get this kind of dough? This also makes it that much more important that Schoen got things done with Lawrence when he did, as he'd surely be getting unreal money if the GM had to pay him now. Lawrence is worth every penny, but again, we're glad a new contract wasn't going to be a major point of focus for Schoen this offseason - it was already taken care of.