Kinlaw Gets the Bag

The Washington Commanders have bolstered their interior defensive line with the signing of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw—a move that may not have generated major buzz but carries intriguing upside.

General Manager Adam Peters, who previously worked with Kinlaw during their time in San Francisco, is banking on the 27-year-old’s potential. In 2024, Kinlaw quietly posted 30 pressures (ranking 38th among interior linemen), 5 sacks (23rd), and 2 forced fumbles—the most by any interior defender in the NFL.

While social media reactions have been divided over the contract terms, could this prove to be an under-the-radar gem for Washington’s front office?

UKHTTC founder Christian Burt recently explored Kinlaw’s brief stint with the New York Jets in a conversation with Olivia of UK & Ireland Jets Fans, diving into whether the Commanders are unlocking overlooked value.

While Javon Kinlaw's statistical performance with the Jets was solid but unspectacular, the 'eye test' suggests he had a relatively underwhelming season in New York. Was this primarily a scheme fit issue with the Jets, and could he potentially thrive under Dan Quinn's defensive system in Washington?

Kinlaw's 2023 campaign fell well short of expectations. Signing a one-year 'prove-it' deal under Robert Saleh—a former defensive coordinator familiar with his skill set—was supposed to revitalize his career. The Jets was a disaster last year. His run defence was not good to be kind. 4 sacks was mediocre, and his penalties were a killer.

The Commanders’ decision to award him a three-year, $21.5M deal—not another short-term audition—is perplexing on the surface. Washington’s faith in Dan Quinn’s ability to maximize his traits (length, power, burst) must outweigh the tape. A one year ‘prove it’ deal I think would have made sense. But a sizeable 3-year contract? Washington must really believe in his potential.

What might make the Commanders fans be optimistic about the signature of Kinlaw?

Kinlaw is still relatively young. Commanders have a great defensive staff so hopefully he settles with Peters and Quinn. He had his highest career sack total last year so maybe he is just blooming late as a player.

And what was an obvious frustration with his play in New York?

The frustration is that Javon has not reached his potential. He definitely needs to be more productive to justify that quite big price tag in D.C.

It seems like he may take playing time for Zherhan Newton so hopefully the competition creates an  ‘iron sharpens iron’ for Commanders fans.

Character of Kinlaw: is he a good locker room guy?

The Jets’ locker room dynamics make it unfair to disproportionately critique Kinlaw’s role in their struggles.

While his minor discipline issues in San Francisco (like the 2021 practice altercation) are concerning but inconclusive, there were no reports of disruptive behaviour in New York. Truthfully, he neither stood out as a galvanizing leader nor emerged as a malcontent!

(UKHTTC note: Quinn's staff has fostered stability in Washington’s culture, allowing him to channel his intensity more effectively?)

Might the general upheaval for the 2024 Jets make nearly all look pretty bad on the roster?

Evidently Jets were chaotic last year. Saleh, who no doubt played a big role in recruiting him to New York, leaving after 4 games definitely didn’t help his cause, and the defence having a down year as a whole meant it was tough for him to stand out.

Although, on the flip side, he never showed flashes of star quality unlike some other players. You’d hope as a Commanders fan the stability of the franchise at the moment may lend a hand in unlocking his potential.

Tell us a bit more about the UK & Ireland Jets and where folk can find you

We are the biggest UK and Ireland Jets Fan Page, bringing Jets fans together in our joint misery haha! I’m Olivia, I’ve been a Jets since 2015 and I was awarded International New York Jets Fan of the Year!