The Washington Commanders have been active in free agency so far. They traded a fifth-round pick for Deebo Samuel, giving quarterback Jayden Daniels another dynamic wide receiver. Additionally, the team brought back veteran Zack Ertz, who was critical to the team’s turnaround in 2024. However, many have questions on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders lack dynamic, young talent but are looking to be aggressive. The team signed former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw to a three-year deal on Monday.
Washington Commanders Sign DT Javon Kinlaw
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it is a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters previously worked with Javon Kinlaw in San Francisco, probably leading to easier negotiations. Kinlaw was taken by the 49ers 14th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former South Carolina Gamecock hasn’t lived up to the status, partly due to injuries.
From 2021 to 2022, he only played in ten games in total. When he is on the field, he has shown an ability to be an above-average starter. Last season with the New York Jets, he racked up 4.5 sacks, 40 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and five quarterback hits. The Washington Commanders struggled to stop the run last year, and they hope Kinlaw can help plug up some running lanes. They will need to be better against the run, given who is in the division.
2025 Outlook
The biggest issue for the Washington Commanders in 2025 is the Philadelphia Eagles. The Super Bowl champions were dominant last year, with Saquon Barkley having a historic season. He isn’t going anywhere, as the Eagles gave him a massive extension. If the Commanders are going to compete for the division, they have to slow down Barkley. They won’t completely bottle him up, but you have to at least slow him down.
Final Thoughts
The Washington Commanders know what they have to do. They are not sitting on their hands now that they have a rookie quarterback on a cheap contract. Can they build on last year’s success and be one of the NFC favorites heading into 2025?
