The Raiders released defensive tackle Christian Wilkins due to a lingering foot injury. Second-year player Jonah Laulu is expected to replace Wilkins in the starting lineup. Adam Butler, another defensive tackle, believes Laulu has the potential to excel in the run game.

The arbitrator deciding in favor of the Raiders would produce a $14.1 million cap credit that would help offset the $29.775 million in 2026 dead money. Wilkins winning his grievance would result in $21.15 million of additional salary cap charges for the Raiders in 2026.

Former Raiders general manager Tom Telesco envisioned pairing Wilkins with Maxx Crosby and forming an elite duo on the defensive line. That never materialized, and the new regime