This offseason the Las Vegas Raiders solidified their run defense by acquiring former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

The 28-year-old Clemson product has numerous awards in college but has yet to make the NFL Pro Bowl since joining the league in 2019. The pressure is on Wilkins to not only stop the run, which he is very good at, but to also apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce was a fierce defensive player during his career as a player. He wants to establish a tough defense that can help support an offense that may struggle this year. Wilkins’ addition does that, but it also puts pressure on the young tackle as he needs to live up to the massive contract that he just signed.

Wilkins signed a four-year deal that is worth $110 million and has $84.75 million guaranteed. This article mentions how he must register sacks to justify the Raiders’ investment in him and that is exactly right. Even though he is a solid run support player and can apply pressure to disrupt quarterbacks, his career 20.5 sacks are not going to cut it.

Last season, Wilkins registered a career high nine sacks and must improve this number in 2024 for the Raiders.

When a football organization gives a player $84.75 million guaranteed before they even played a single snap, you know that player is very good at what they do. While everyone who is familiar with Wilkins over the last several seasons understands what he brings to the table, he and the Raiders’ coaching staff must have higher expectations heading into this season. The on the field performance must match the contract details or else it may turn out to be a bad investment.

There is little doubt in my mind about Wilkins and his ability to dominate with his new team. He has all of the physical attributes, works hard, and the only difference between this year and last is a new location. The challenge heading into 2024 will be to register more sacks to help fans and media members justify the large contract that he just received.

The spotlight is on Wilkins to deliver sacks and solidify the Raiders’ defensive line as a force in 2024. For Wilkins, the outside noise does not matter as he will continue to play the game the only way he knows how – by being an extremely dominant force in the trenches.