Raiders releasing Christian Wilkins; NFLPA files grievance - ESPN

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have informed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins that he has been released, the team said Thursday.

Wilkins will be released with the designation of terminated vested veteran, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Wilkins has been recovering from a Jones fracture, which he suffered in his left foot last October. Because of how Wilkins has treated the rehab from his injury, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million of guaranteed money left on his contract on June 4, sources said.

The belief was that Wilkins needed another surgery on his foot; he balked at getting it, sources told ESPN. The Raiders then voided the guaranteed money left on his deal due to «failure to maintain his physical condition to play.»

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Wilkins had 50 days from June 4 to ask the NFLPA to file a grievance on his behalf, and the union did so Thursday, the last day it was eligible, sources said.

The union had no comment Thursday night. The next step after filing a grievance would be a hearing.

«We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins and he has been informed of his release from the team,» the Raiders said in a statement. «This franchise has a commitment of excellence on and off the field. With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization