Bills, Jets named best fits for former $110 million defender available in free agency

The pickings are very slim in free agency at this time of year, but there is one intriguing option for the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to consider.

The Bills have been ravaged by injuries along the defensive line this season, but none were bigger than the injury to Ed Oliver, who will be out until at least the playoffs with a torn biceps injury.

The Jets are short-handed upfront after unloading star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in a blockbuster trade deadline deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

One player both teams may target is former Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, who was unexpectedly cut loose by the latter during the offseason.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the Bills and Jets are the best fits for the 29-year-old, who once snagged a $110 million contract from the Raiders.

The Buffalo Bills, who recently placed defensive tackle Ed Oliver and defensive end Michael Hoecht on injured reserve, should see if Wilkins is in playing shape.

The New York Jets are in rebuilding mode but should also kick the tires on the 29-year-old after trading away Quinnen Williams.

The situation surrounding Wilkins and the Raiders was just weird.

The reason behind Las Vegas cutting Wilkins loose had to due with how he handled his rehab from a foot injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

However, there was also a rumor circulating that Wilkins had made another Raiders player uncomfortable after kissing the player on the head, something Wilkins' Las Vegas teammate reportedly took offense to, per ESPN, so many have wondered how much that situation might've played a role.

Admittedly, the kiss heard 'round the world and Wilkins' foot make him a shaky option, but if he's healthy and can be had for cheap, there really is no risk in bringing him in.

When at his best, Wilkins is a plus pass-rusher (he had nine sacks in 2023) who can make an even bigger impact against the run. The former first-round pick has three seasons with a Pro Football Focus run defense grade north of 80.

The Bills need more pass-rush juice up the middle and an interior lineman who can bolster their run defense, which ranks as the fifth-worst in the NFL. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations in Buffalo, it makes sense to take a flier on Wilkins.

The same cannot be said for the Jets, whose season is already in the toilet. New York would be better served getting a longer look at its younger players as the lowly squad navigates its ongoing rebuild.

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