One didn't have to look far across the media for criticism about the Washington Commanders' financial outlay for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Most analysts believe it was a significant overpay, but there is untold confidence in the building regarding his fit within Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme.
Kinlaw is coming off a down season with the New York Jets and hasn't met his first-round billing as yet. The Commanders thought there was still something to salvage, giving the former South Carolina standout a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed to secure his services.
Washington needed to get bigger in the trenches. Kinlaw represents that after the Commanders released two-time Pro Bowl lineman Jonathan Allen. He's also eager to repay the faith shown in him by those in power, one of whom he's worked with previously.
Commanders GM Adam Peters has complete faith in Javon Kinlaw
Adam Peters was part of the San Francisco 49ers' front office that selected Kinlaw No. 14 overall. That didn't quite go according to plan, but Washington's general manager fired back by proclaiming exactly what makes this acquisition a worthy asset for the Commanders in pursuit of another deep postseason run in 2025.
Peters highlighted Kinlaw's commitment and hunger to improve as traits that should fit seamlessly into the Commanders' locker room. The general manager acknowledged the need to lose some weight, but that's easily manageable once the team puts together the right training and nutrition program.
"(Javon) had a major injury (knee reconstruction in 2021). To his credit, he fought back and came back even better, which was really impressive. How much he played two years ago in San Francisco and how much he played last year (with the New York Jets), those are like his first two (NFL) years, in essence. And he’s got the hunger to get better and better. His best football is in front of him. He’s a freak, it’s unbelievable. I’ve seen him when he is as low as 275 in San Francisco and then as high as 330-plus last year with the Jets. He played 60 percent of the snaps at (319 pounds), which is impressive. If he loses 10 or 15 pounds, if that makes him feel better, he’s still going to be just as effective. He’s still a monster."Adam Peters via The Athletic
Peters doesn't much care for talk outside of the building. He trusts his assessments. He respects the opinion of those in Washington's front office. Considering how well everything has gone since his appointment, fans have complete trust in his roster construction methods.
Kinlaw also heard the criticism and wanted to silence his doubters. He's got all the physical tools, so it's all about finding the consistency needed to be impactful. Daron Payne and Johnny Newton also have important roles to play on the defensive line interior, so this has the makings of a productive trio that complements each other well if they all meet specific targets.
Peters believes in Kinlaw. He's familiar with his on-field qualities and overall character. He also gave the interior presence his seal of approval with an emphatic stance. That should be good enough for fans to give this signing a chance.
Whether it works out is another matter. But make no mistake, Kinlaw shouldn't be lacking in motivation despite getting some long-term financial security.
