July 25, 2025 – The Las Vegas Raiders’ shocking release of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has sent ripples through the NFL, with the news initially disrupted by a global Starlink outage on July 24, 2025. The outage, affecting millions across the U.S., delayed real-time updates on platforms like X, but the focus has now shifted to Wilkins’ uncertain future. Signed to a four-year, $110 million contract in March 2024, Wilkins’ release stems from a dispute over his recovery from a Jones fracture, with $35.2 million in guaranteed money voided. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has filed a grievance, setting the stage for a contentious battle. Below, we break down the contract, the events leading to his release, and how the Starlink outage impacted the news cycle.
Wilkins’ Contract Breakdown
On March 11, 2024, Christian Wilkins inked a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders, boasting an average annual value (AAV) of $27.5 million, ranking him among the NFL’s top-paid defensive tackles. Key details include:
- Signing Bonus: $24 million, fully guaranteed.
- Guaranteed Money: $82.75 million total, with $57.5 million fully guaranteed at signing, covering:
- 2024 base salary and signing bonus.
- 2025 base salary ($8 million, fully guaranteed).
- 2025 roster bonus ($20.5 million, converted to a signing bonus for cap relief).
- 2026 base salary ($27.25 million, injury-guaranteed at signing, fully guaranteed by March 2025).
- Bonuses: Up to $408,000 annually for per-game active roster bonuses; $92,000 workout bonus in 2025.
- 2025 Cap Hit: $18.137 million (post-restructure, saving $15.375 million in cap space).
- Dead Cap: $47.7 million in 2025 if released before guarantees vested.
- Contract Length: Through 2027, with a void year in 2028 for cap purposes.
In March 2025, the Raiders restructured the deal, converting the $20.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit ($5.125 million annually) through 2028, reducing the 2025 cap hit to 5.78% of the team’s salary cap.
The Road to Release
A 2019 first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, Wilkins joined the Raiders after a 2023 season with nine sacks. His 2024 campaign ended abruptly after five games due to a Jones fracture in his left foot, suffered on October 6, 2024, against the Denver Broncos. Surgery followed, with a projected three-to-four-month recovery. However, Wilkins remained on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as training camp began in July 2025.
Tensions escalated when the Raiders voided $35.2 million in guarantees on June 4, 2025, citing disputes over Wilkins’ rehabilitation, including his refusal of a recommended second surgery. On July 24, 2025, the Raiders released him with a terminated vested veteran designation, stating, “With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary.” The NFLPA filed a grievance that day, challenging the voided guarantees, with a hearing pending.
Starlink Outage Disrupts News Cycle
The Starlink outage, starting around 3:00–3:30 p.m. ET on July 24, 2025, and lasting 2.5 hours, disrupted internet access for over 6 million U.S. users. Triggered by a core network software failure, it halted updates on X, where ESPN’s Adam Schefter and others broke the release news. DownDetector logged nearly 70,000 complaints, with cities like San Francisco and New York hit hard. Fans, like @cbrandlehner, reported even Starlink’s website was down. The outage delayed fan reactions and analysis, with posts from @NFL and others gaining traction only after service resumed at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Financial and Career Fallout
Wilkins’ release jeopardizes his financial outlook. His estimated $20 million net worth includes $55.6 million in NFL earnings:
- Dolphins (2019–2023): $15.4 million, including a $10.5 million fifth-year option.
- Raiders (2024): $29.5 million, with a $24 million signing bonus.
The voided $35.2 million ($8 million in 2025, $27.25 million in 2026) could cut his net worth by $10–$15 million if the grievance fails. A successful grievance might recover 50–70%, per precedents like Julio Jones’ settlement. Endorsements ($1–$2 million annually) and a $2–$3 million Miami home offer some cushion. At 29, with 372 tackles and 22.5 sacks in 86 games, Wilkins could land a prove-it deal with teams like the Cleveland Browns, though his $27.5 million AAV may dip due to injury concerns.
Raiders’ Outlook and Fan Reactions
Wilkins’ exit weakens the Raiders’ defensive line, where he complemented Maxx Crosby with 17 tackles and two sacks in 2024. The release incurs a $17.925 million cap hit in 2025 and $55.025 million in 2026, with $9.925 million annual charges through 2028. On X, @NFL’s post sparked debate: @ChadSweezey lauded Wilkins’ talent, while @zaki99 criticized the Raiders’ decision. The Starlink outage fueled fan frustration, delaying real-time engagement.
Sources
- Spotrac
- Wikipedia
- Over The Cap
- ESPN
- The Economic Times
- PlayerProfiler
- Sporting News
- The Athletic
- NBC Sports
- EssentiallySports
- Heavy.com
- Distinct Athlete
- NFL.com
- ESPN Player Profile
- X posts from @NFL, @Starlink, @elonmusk, and others
- Starlink outage details from Newsweek, DownDetector, PCMag, The Verge, CNBC, StatusGator, Hindustan Times, The Guardian, Reuters, Mitrade, DownForEveryoneOrJustMe, The Independent, Starlink Help Center
