The Jacksonville Jaguars pushed hard to add an interior defensive lineman at the trade deadline; however, they came up short in their many attempts to get a deal done. General manager James Gladstone may have one more avenue to address the team’s biggest weaknesses, though. Jacksonville now turns its attention to the free agent market, where one name stands out above the rest: former first-round pick Christian Wilkins.
A Player With Proven Production
Wilkins remains unsigned after a turbulent stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, but his track record, pedigree, and fit in Jacksonville make him a very compelling option. The Jaguars’ efforts to acquire interior help were not subtle. Gladstone reportedly made strong pushes for several defensive tackles, including Quinnen Williams, only to be outbid by Dallas.
Those attempts confirm that the Jaguars’ interior defensive line is not where the organization wants it to be. Bringing in Wilkins on a one-year deal could be the low-risk, high-reward solution that Jacksonville desperately needs.
Before his short run with the Raiders, Christian Wilkins was one of the NFL’s most impactful interior defenders. He recorded nine sacks in 2023, the fifth most among all defensive tackles that season. That’s only one fewer sack than the Jaguars’ entire defense has through eight games this year.
Across five seasons with Miami, he totaled 41 tackles for loss and consistently played at a high level against both the run and the pass. According to PFSN’s DT Impact Rankings, in 2023, Wilkins ranked as the 14th highest defensive tackle in the league with a score of 85.4.
His stint in Las Vegas ended prematurely after he suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot, limiting him to only five games in 2024. The Raiders released him before the 2025 season due to a disagreement with the team’s training staff regarding his recovery plan. Wilkins chose rehabilitation over a second surgery, which contributed to the split.
Now, several months removed from that decision, Jacksonville has every reason to bring him in for a workout and evaluate whether he is fully healthy. If he is, the opportunity could not be clearer.
Connections That Matter
No free agent on the market is as naturally connected to the Jaguars locker room as Wilkins. His relationships span the roster and coaching staff, beginning with Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne Jr.
The trio won the 2018 national championship together at Clemson, forming a bond built on trust, leadership, and postseason success. Wilkins also played alongside recently acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers last season in Las Vegas, giving him another connection in Jacksonville’s locker room.
The defensive connections run even deeper. Wilkins spent four seasons in Miami with pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah from 2020 to 2023. For those same four years, he played under Anthony Campanile, who served as the Dolphins’ linebackers coach and is now the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator.
Even defensive tackle Arik Armstead has established a connection with Wilkins, previously hosting him on his show “Third and Long.” If the Jaguars were to bring in Wilkins, there is no doubt that he’d have plenty of friendly faces around him to help him get adjusted to his new team.
How the Fit Makes Sense for Jacksonville
With Gladstone aggressively targeting interior defenders at the deadline, the message is clear. The Jaguars are not satisfied with their current defensive front. They need a player who can collapse the pocket, hold up against the run, and command double teams so Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker can generate more consistent pressure off the edge.
When healthy, Christian Wilkins does all of that at a borderline elite level. His power, leverage, and disruptive mentality would instantly change the complexion of Jacksonville’s defensive line.
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The best part is the cost. A one-year contract would allow the Jaguars to address a glaring need without jeopardizing long-term roster building. If his foot checks out and he looks capable of returning to form, Jacksonville could land a superstar talent for nothing more than a short-term investment.
Missing out on interior help at the deadline could have been a blessing in disguise, as the Jaguars have the opportunity to fill their need without sacrificing any of their 11 remaining 2026 draft picks.
A Low-Risk Move With Massive Upside
Bringing in Christian Wilkins for a workout is a no-brainer. If he is healthy, the Jaguars gain a player who can transform their front seven and elevate the defense significantly down the stretch. If he is not, they lose nothing long-term. Gladstone has made it clear he is willing to make bold moves to keep Jacksonville competitive. This is another opportunity to do exactly that.
For a team still in the thick of the AFC playoff race and looking for the final piece to solidify its defense, Wilkins may be the answer that slipped through the cracks. Sometimes the best additions come after the dust settles.
