The Chicago Bears have done more to improve the interior of the defensive line than the pass rush since the offseason began, but the signing of one highly-touted free agent could help the team get better in both areas simultaneously.
Former Miami Dolphins first-round pick Christian Wilkins sat out all of last season and played just five games in 2024. However, he is just 30 years old and looking to catch on with an NFL team again in 2026.
“Free agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in March. “So far 26 teams have reached out and are waiting for Wilkins to be ready, and Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.”
Bears Do Not Have Star Defensive Tackle Projected on Roster Next Season
GettyChicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
When Wilkins decides to rejoin the ranks of professional football, Chicago should be among the candidates for his services.
Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron predicted on Monday, April 27 that Gervon Dexter Sr., recently-added free agent Neville Gallimore, Grady Jarrett and 2026 sixth-round draft pick Jordan van den Berg will round out the Bears’ DT room, joined occasionally on the interior by a couple of defensive ends.
“This group may seem light, but with [Shemar] Turner and [Dayo] Odeyingbo being bounced inside for some snaps from time to time, I think the Bears won’t feel like they need as many true DTs on the roster,” Zimmerman wrote. “It wouldn’t stun me if van den Berg ends up on the practice squad, but with his athletic skills, I think there would be a chance a team might try and grab him on their 53.”
Raiders Cut Christian Wilkins, Voided Guarantees on His Contract in July of Last Year
GettyDefensive tackle Christian Wilkins, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders.
A healthy Wilkins, assuming he could regain his pre-injury form, should be a better player on the inside than any Zimmerman named as likely members of the Bears’ final 53-man roster heading into Week 1.
Wilkins has played 86 games in his career, starting 82 of those. He has tallied 372 total tackles, which includes 45 tackles for loss, adding 56 quarterback hits, 22.5 sacks, 19 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and an interception.
He inked a four-year contract worth $110 million to join the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2024. However, the Raiders released him in July 2025 and voided his remaining guaranteed money, citing breach of contract.
Reports indicated that the franchise wanted Wilkins to undergo a second surgery on his injured foot, which he declined after collecting second opinions outside of the organizational structure. There was also concern over an alleged locker room incident with a teammate that resulted in the involvement of the Raiders’ human resources department.
Assuming Wilkins returns to the market with a clean bill of health, and teams like the Bears are comfortable with how the HR issue sorted out, the biggest problem Chicago will have competing for Wilkins is likely to involve his financial compensation.
That said, given all the time off since his last snap, Wilkins’ value is likely to have dipped, and a one-year prove-it contract reads as the most likely outcome.
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