Patriots Will 'Have a Conversation' About Christian Wilkins Contract, Says Mike Vrabel

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that the team will discuss a potential contract agreement with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in free agency.

Vrabel told reporters Friday that New England will “have a conversation” about signing Wilkins, noting that he recruited him while previously serving as Ohio State's defensive line coach (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk).

On Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders released Wilkins just one season into a four-year contract worth $110 million with a terminated vested veteran designation.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the 29-year-old was cut "due to how Wilkins treated the rehab from his foot injury he suffered last season."

According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, the belief was that Wilkins needed another surgery on his foot and he wasn't interested in undergoing a procedure. The Raiders then cut ties with him because of a "failure to maintain his physical condition to play."

The Patriots are looking to improve on both sides of the ball following a pair of 4-13 finishes in 2023 and 2024. New England has already made multiple major additions to its defensive line in the offseason, signing defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge-rusher Harold Landry.

The Patriots could also bring in Wilkins as they attempt to bolster their run defense, ranking No. 23 in the NFL last season by allowing 131.4 yards per game on the ground.

Wilkins has recorded 371 tackles, 56 quarterback hits, 45 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks and 19 passes defensed across 86 career games with the Raiders and Miami Dolphins.