Analyst slams Commanders player as biggest bust before he’s played a down

   

As the Washington Commanders look to capitalize on their stunning run to the NFC Championship game in 2024, they'll be doing so with several new faces in town.

Most notably, five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was brought in to protect Jayden Daniels. All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was acquired to make the offense more explosive as a No. 2 option alongside Terry McLaurin.

There were also the Commanders' free agency signings, highlighted by defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. While most of Washington's moves have been met with praise from the national media, this one has already been written off as a mistake.

Bleacher Report predicts Javon Kinlaw as the Commanders' biggest bust for 2025

Add Kristopher Knox from The Bleacher Report to the long list of skeptics on Washington's signing of the former San Francisco 49er and New York Jet. In his article this week titled "Predicting Every NFL Team's Biggest Bust of the 2025 Season", Kinlaw is the obvious selection from the Commanders.

Simply put, the Washington Commanders probably overpaid to land defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. The 2020 first-round pick had a good year with the Jets in 2024, finishing with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, Washington gave him high-end starter money.Kristopher Knox

Kinlaw received a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed from Washington, who was perhaps a bit too eager to replace long-time starter Jonathan Allen. The Commanders' defensive line on the whole will have a lot to prove, as Daron Payne looks to return to form while Dorance Armstrong Jr. and one of either Clelin Ferrell or Deatrich Wise Jr. are likely the starters at defensive end.

It's a far cry from a few years ago when Payne, Allen, Chase Young, and Montez Sweat accounted for a unit that was arguably the Commanders' biggest strength. Washington's pass-rush has gone from one of the few bright spots on an otherwise underwhelming roster to a weak link that will need to tread water not to hold back a team with high hopes.

 

For that reason, Kinlaw might be the most important X-factor on the Commanders this season.

If he can defy the critics and live up to the hefty price Washington gave him, it would provide a massive boost that could allow the team to meet, if not exceed, expectations. And with the entire NFL world having already determined that his signing is doomed to disappoint, Kinlaw will have nothing but motivation to prove himself.