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Raiders' Adam Butler gives puzzling response to question on Christian Wilkins release

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones07/29/25brianjones_93
Adam Butler
Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler gave an interesting response to a question about the team releasing Christian Wilkins. While speaking to reporters this week, Butler was asked how the defensive line is moving forward following the controversy surrounding Wilkins.

“We’ve pretty much just kind of moved on from the situation,” Adam Butler said. “I really don’t want to comment further on it. But I will say whatever you’re going through as person, athlete, non-athlete, whoever, whatever you’re struggle is, if you got something going on in life, talk to somebody. Get some therapy, whatever your deal is, it’s your deal.

“Somebody out there in this world full of billions of people is willing to listen. They’re willing to listen, hear you out and help you work through whatever you need to work through. Don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.”

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Christian Wilkins kissed a fellow player on the head, and the teammate took offense to it. The Raiders released the former Clemson star on Thursday, but he was also recovering from a Jones fracture, which he suffered in his left foot last October.

Raiders are moving on after releasing Christian Wilkins

It was reported that the incident happened inside a team meeting room. A source told ESPN that the interaction was “playful,” but the teammate didn’t see it that way. It’s not clear what the fellow player did after the incident, but a complaint was filed with the Raiders’ human resources department.

“I have no comment to make. We made a decision on what we’re doing, and we’re moving with it,” Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday. “We’ll see how that unveils itself in time.”

Wilkins joined the Raiders last season, signing a four-year, $110 million deal, including $84.75 million guaranteed. He spent his first five seasons with the Miami Dolphins and recorded a career-high nine sacks in 2023.

Butler has been with the Raiders since the 2023 season. He played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and tallied 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks.