NFL's "Guaranteed" Player Contracts Revealed as Flawed in Raider DT's Recent Release
Raiders and Christian Wilkins Lock Horns Over Guaranteed Money
In a surprising turn of events, the Las Vegas Raiders have voided $35.2 million in guaranteed money from defensive tackle Christian Wilkins' four-year, $110 million contract. The move, which came after Wilkins' failure to adhere to the team's recommended rehab plan for a Jones fracture in his foot and his refusal to undergo a suggested second surgery, has led to a grievance filed by Wilkins through the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
The Raiders argue that Wilkins did not meet their expectations in terms of physical condition and rehab effort, a claim that, under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), allows them to deny termination pay or guarantees. However, Wilkins' grievance challenges this action, seeking to recover the $35 million plus in guarantees.
The NFLPA filed the grievance within the 50-day window allowed from the June 4 date the Raiders voided the guarantees. The next step will be a hearing to resolve the dispute.
The financial details of the case are significant. Wilkins has already been paid approximately $49.7 million, including a $24 million signing bonus and restructured salary elements for cap relief. If Wilkins wins, the Raiders face a $35.25 million cap hit increase for 2025, which would significantly impact their salary cap situation.
As of late July 2025, neither the Raiders nor Wilkins' representatives have made further public comments beyond their initial statements. The NFLPA has remained reserved on details, and the grievance process is ongoing with a hearing forthcoming.
It's worth noting that the NFLPA's website states that it is successful in "considerably more than half" of the overall grievances filed, including injury cases. Wilkins' grievance falls under the "non-injury" category, which covers fines, suspensions, and prior-year injuries that invoke the collectively bargained Injury Protection Benefit.
The CBA states that a player must undergo "reasonable and customary rehabilitation treatment the club required of him." Wilkins' termination by the Raiders was due to "You have failed to establish or maintain your excellent physical condition to the satisfaction of the Club physician," according to the NFL CBA.
This dispute between Wilkins and the Raiders arose this summer regarding his foot injury and the need for another surgery or rehabilitation. The arbitration decision, which was unveiled in late June on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, will determine whether Wilkins is entitled to his $35 million in guaranteed money.
A related story is the NFL Seeks Legal Fees as Union Collusion Case Faces CBA Limits. An arbitration decision from January found that the NFL's management council encouraged owners in 2022 to reduce contract guarantees, but did not find evidence of collusion.
The NFL CBA includes a notice of contract termination in its appendix. Clubs in the NFL can choose from five boxes when issuing a notice of contract termination, ranging from unsatisfactory performance to personal conduct that adversely affects the club.
In summary, the case between Christian Wilkins and the Las Vegas Raiders revolves around the interpretation of rehab effort and good faith under the NFL’s CBA Article 30, subsection 3A. The outcome will significantly affect both Wilkins’ earnings and the Raiders’ salary cap. The arbitration hearing is forthcoming, and all eyes are on the decision that will be made.
- In the ongoing grievance between Christian Wilkins and the Las Vegas Raiders, an analysis of the rehab effort and good faith within the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Article 30, subsection 3A will be crucial in determining if Wilkins is entitled to the $35 million in guaranteed money voided by the Raiders.
- A sports law expert suggested that the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has a chance of winning the grievance filed by Wilkins, given that the CBA states that a player must undergo "reasonable and customary rehabilitation treatment the club required of him."
- The outcome of the arbitration hearing between Wilkins and the Raiders could set a significant precedent for future collective bargaining in American Football, particularly in the NFL, where players might face similar situations regarding medical treatment and guaranteed money in their contracts.
