Sports Illustrated says the Las Vegas Raiders made one of the best signings during the first wave of NFL free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders made one of the best signings in the NFL during the first wave of free agency according to Sports Illustrated. 

SI.com loves the Raiders' decision to sign defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four year deal worth $110 million, ranking it as the sixth best free agent signing so far this offseason. 

From SI.com: Wilkins became the best-available defensive tackle once Chris Jones re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he cashed in big with the Silver and Black on a four-year, $110 million deal with $84.75 million guaranteed. Paired with Maxx Crosby, Wilkins should give the Raiders a terrific combination up front. With the Miami Dolphins in 2023, Wilkins registered nine sacks on 23 quarterback hits. Expect those numbers to rise with Crosby by his side.

If the Raiders are going to stand a chance of competing with the Kansas City Chiefs for an AFC West division crown, then they'll have to find a way to win in the trenches. 

Pairing Wilkins, a former first round draft pick, with edge rusher Maxx Crosby, one of the best defensive players in the NFL, gives the Raiders a defensive front that could wreak havoc on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

Wilkins didn't play with an elite edge rusher during his time with the Miami Dolphins, yet he still managed to record nine sacks last season while playing all 17 games. Now that Wilkins will be playing next to Crosby, it wouldn't be a surprise if the former Clemson standout reaches double digit sacks in 2024.