The recent release of Christian Wilkins by the Las Vegas Raiders has thrown the NFL community into disarray, especially considering the ensuing legal battle that’s kicked off as a result.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has filed a grievance on behalf of Wilkins against the Raiders amidst a tumultuous scenario.
On a football level, the circumstances surrounding Wilkins’ release are multifaceted, intertwined with a significant financial dispute regarding the guarantees of his contract.
A closer look reveals that there are two specific types of grievances a player can file: injury grievances and noninjury grievances.
Christian Wilkins has opted for a noninjury grievance against the Raiders.
The main point of contention stems from a Jones fracture Wilkins sustained last year during his inaugural season with the Raiders, following his departure from the Miami Dolphins.
This was highlighted by his four-year, $110 million contract that included $84.75 million in guaranteed money.
Reports indicate that the Raiders informed Wilkins just prior to OTAs that he would require a second surgery on his foot after his initial recovery extended beyond the usual timeline of three to four months.
Wilkins made the decision not to undergo the additional procedure and continued with his rehabilitation instead.
The Raiders’ reaction to Wilkins’ choice ultimately influenced their decision to release him, although it’s essential to clarify that the grievance does not center around that aspect.
The crux of the grievance relates to the Raiders’ choice to void the remaining $35.2 million of guaranteed money left on Wilkins’ contract.
To understand the timeline of the grievance filing, one must be aware of the deadlines established by the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
For injury grievances, players are required to file within twenty-five days of being released by the club.
In contrast, since Wilkins is pursuing a noninjury grievance, which also encompasses disputes concerning fines imposed by the club, he had fifty days from the date the dispute arose to lodge his claim.
This grievance was filed on Thursday, the last permissible day for Wilkins to take action.
The clock started running on June 4, when the Raiders formally voided the remaining guaranteed money on his contract.
Following Wilkins’ release, the Raiders commented that there was “no clear path or plan to return to play from Christian.”
Raiders coach Pete Carroll supported this sentiment, stating, “It took a long time to make our decision. I think there was no clear path to his return. So, we just had to move on.”
Currently, the subject of contention is the disputed sum of $35.2 million.
The Raiders have already paid Wilkins nearly $50 million over a span of five games.
This amount consists of his signing bonus worth $24 million, a base salary of $5 million for his first year, and a $20.5 million roster bonus this season that was restructured into a signing bonus for cap management.
As of the new league year in March, Wilkins’ salary for 2025 became fully guaranteed, alongside his $27.25 million for 2026.
If not on the roster, the Raiders are no longer obligated to pay the $35.2 million guaranteed that was voided, raising challenging implications for Wilkins’ financial future.
Beyond directly defending Wilkins’ financial interests, the NFLPA is particularly committed to winning this grievance to avoid establishing a precedent that permits teams to withdraw guaranteed money over disputes regarding a player’s recovery approach.
Looking ahead, the next step involves an arbitrator conducting a hearing, although a date for the hearing has yet to be established.
The Raiders are likely to face considerable challenges in this case unless specific contract language provides them with a strong legal basis.
A recent example that surfaces is the Raiders’ handling of Antonio Brown’s grievances from several years ago.
Brown’s turbulent tenure with the Raiders in 2019 resulted in the voiding of $30 million in guaranteed salary.
Despite the challenges, the Raiders demonstrated a strong position at that time, supported by text evidence showing Brown’s request for release.
Brown later filed multiple grievances against both the Raiders and the Patriots, ultimately leading to a settlement on a portion of the $9 million signing bonus he sought.
As this grievance proceeds through legal channels, Wilkins will remain available to visit and potentially sign with other teams, contingent on passing a physical after his medical assessment.
As the situation continues to develop, the football world will keep a close eye on the implications of this case not only for Wilkins but also for the broader landscape of player contracts and guarantees in the NFL.
image source from：nytimes
