Getty
Christian Wilkins #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders stretches during OTAs.
The Houston Texans still have some roster needs to address, and there is a fitting potential solution in Christian Wilkins still available in free agency.
Wilkins is a polarizing figure, one who missed the entire 2025 campaign.
However, he is also someone the Texans have had an affinity for. The inverse is also true, which could be the difference between landing a player and not at this stage of free agency, when the big-money deals have all but dried up.
Texans Get Critical Update on Christian Wilkins
GettyChristian Wilkins #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders stretches during OTAs.
Wilkins was the 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Miami Dolphins, and he spent the 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, whose decision to release him had the former Clemson Tigers national champion on the Texans’ radar.
They could again register interest, given their current group’s makeup.
That is particularly true in light of the latest update regarding Wilkins. He sits at 355 total tackles, 22.5 sacks, and 82 starts in 86 career games.
“Free-agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on March 20. “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.”
The Texans were linked to Wilkins before he signed his contract with the Raiders in free agency during the 2024 offseason. According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson in March 2024, the interest was thought to have been “strong and mutual.”
The Texans were among the “multiple teams” interested in an “extremely rich market.”
Houston has a history with Mulugheta. He represents former Texans franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, but it is unclear how that would impact Wilkins’ decision-making, if at all.
Christian Wilkins Remains a Polarizing Player
GettyChristian Wilkins #94 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills.
Wilkins’ approach to rehabbing the foot injury is at least part of the reason that the Raiders cut ties with him in Year 2 of a four-year, $110 million contract. Wilkins, who has $76.1 million in career earnings, has filed a grievance against the Raiders.
That is not all that stands out about his situation, though.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in July 2025 on an alleged locker room incident in which Wilkins “playfully kissed” a teammate.
None of the parties involved has confirmed or denied that such an incident took place. The narrative resurfaced in recent days. Some fans believe that prompted his representation (via Schefter’s report) to attempt damage control.
Fans also noted some of Wilkins’ other questionable activities on the field to further the narrative. Others noted that his lingering injury validates the Raiders’ decision.
Texans Have Done Well With Cast-Offs
GettySheldon Rankins #90 of the Houston Texans reacts in the game against the Denver Broncos.
The Texans are not short on bodies up front, which works against Wilkins being an option in free agency.
They re-signed Sheldon Rankins this offseason and signed versatile inside-out option Logan Hall in free agency. The Texans also still have rotational options in Junior Tafuna, Kyonte Hamilton, Naquan Jones, and Tommy Togiai under contract for next season.
The Texans’ ability to make do has been well-served by their strong pass rush and secondary.
However, the Texans could also still view Wilkins as a worthwhile talent during the bargain portion of free agency. Perhaps at least enough to warrant further fact-finding.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
More Heavy on Texans
Loading more stories