The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the biggest winners early on in the NFL’s legal tampering period after they pulled off a massive coup by signing Christian Wilkins in the open market.
Christian Wilkins was signed to a four-year deal worth $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed by the Las Vegas Raiders, and the former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle is more than excited to play for his new NFL team in 2024.
When Wilkins hit free agency, he said that he was eager to join the Las Vegas Raiders because that was his preferred destination. It turns out that he had always found the idea of teaming up with Maxx Crosby intriguing.
“There’s one big reason to definitely want to come here, and that’s number 98,” Wilkins said of Crosby. “He’s obviously a heck of a player, and I got a lot of respect for who he is, how he operates, and how he plays. I’m excited to be his teammate.”
“Maxx is one of two of my favorite players in the league, just because he does things the right way,” he added. “Just that work ethic, that grind. Just how he does everything the right way. He plays hard. Obviously, he’s a great talent, but that motor is something to respect so much. I try to do things like that too. I try to be an inspiration not just for kids out there, other football players, but anyone in any of their professions. Just to do things the right way, do it with passion, play at a high level.”
Las Vegas Raiders now have an exciting one-two punch on defense
Upon hearing Christian Wilkins’ excitement to team up with him, Maxx Crosby shared the same sentiment during the NFL Report podcast, since he believes that having internal competition is good for the Las Vegas Raiders’ now-vaunted defense.
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“I’m super excited. I’ve known Christian for a long time. We’ve already had some great conversations. He’s a super player, and I can’t wait for him to get out here,” said Crosby.
“I look forward to the healthy competition. Christian will have to work really hard to out-work me. But I love him; he’s got tons of energy, and he loves football,” he added.
Both Wilkins and Crosby are coming off productive 2023 campaigns, as they combined for 155 tackles, 33 of which were for a loss, 24 sacks, 54 quarterback hits, 80 quarterback pressures, and 26 hurries.
