Raiders implode their defense while AFC West neighbors invest in winning

Nothing like a little salt in the wound for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Over the last couple of weeks, the more successful members of the AFC West have gone to work to secure their futures as winning franchises. Contract extensions have anchored key talents in place, making sure that stars who are ensuring positive outcomes from their current teams will (hopefully) continue to do so for years to come.

As for the Raiders, they can't even get their financial choices right.

You can bet on the Raiders staying in the basement for the foreseeable future.

The most miserable conversation piece in Las Vegas these days is centered on the decision to release Christian Wilkins. It's the latest example of a team that can't get the basics right.

It was only one year ago that Wilkins was the nucleus of the team's offseason plans. Given a four-year deal worth up to $110 million, the Raiders decided to forgo the final three years of that deal after being dissatisfied with rehabilitation efforts on an injured foot (and some other questionable behavior in the locker room).

Instead of giving elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby an important partner in the trenches to establish a dominant defensive front, a source of significant cap demands backfired on the Raiders. That leaves Las Vegas hoping to earn back some money in the form of a voided guarantee and searching for answers up front defensively.

Compare that piece of news to what's happening in the rest of the AFC West. The Denver Broncos just extended wide receiver Courtland Sutton on Monday with a four-year deal averaging $23M per season. The Los Angeles Chargers boast an elite left tackle in Rashawn Slater, and they decided to lock him in for the next four seasons as well.

The Kansas City Chiefs found a way to keep two of their own stars long-term in the last couple of weeks with contract extensions for both right guard Trey Smith and defensive end George Karlaftis. Smith got a record-setting deal to protect Patrick Mahomes through 2028, while Karlaftis will rush opposing passers on the Chiefs' behalf through the 2030 campaign.

Given that the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos were already projected to fare much better than the Raiders in 2025 as it was, things only look even more dire for Las Vegas going forward. Losing out on an anchor like Wilkins on the field, and watching the way the whole thing is unfolding, will make it tougher to convince others to get on board—even as other teams get better.