Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
When the Washington Commanders gave defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed in free agency, most around the league were absolutely stunned. This was immediately declared a massive overpay, especially considering how the physically imposing figure has never had the consistency expected of a first-round selection.
Kinlaw's one poor year with the New York Jets led most to project a short-term, prove-it deal. Adam Peters had other ideas, confident that the South Carolina product could finally live up to his billing under head coach Dan Quinn's leadership.
He's a big talker — always has been. However, his performance is nowhere near the required standard, and his lack of discipline when things aren't going well has quickly become a persistent frustration.
The lineman found life difficult against the run. Kinlaw didn't register a single sack. He accumulated just three quarterback hits and five pressures. He's got every athletic measurable needed to succeed, but something is just missing.
Washington has no choice but to keep Kinlaw around in 2026 unless they plan to eat a substantial dead cap figure. However, the player will not be as fortunate this time next year if he cannot raise the tempo.
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Commanders' first legitimate statement about meaning business was their trade for cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. Adam Peters made this huge investment for the now and for the future. Fans were beyond excited about what his shutdown capabilities could bring to a defense that was desperate for his proven credentials.
Lattimore's hamstring injury prevented him from making the impression he was expected to. The Commanders hoped he could get back to his old form with a full offseason to rest and familiarize himself with the defensive schematics. But aside from a few fleeting moments of class, he failed to achieve these goals.
Opposing offenses actively targeted Lattimore as a weak link downfield with great success. The explosiveness that made him great once upon a time deserted him. His technical flaws were consistently exposed, leading to defensive pass interference penalties in crucial moments. The former Ohio State star's misery was compounded by a torn ACL that ended his campaign ahead of time.
That will probably be the last time anyone sees Lattimore in a Washington uniform. The Commanders save $18.5 million on their salary cap by releasing the defensive back with one year remaining on his deal. There are no dead cap ramifications, so the decision looks pretty straightforward.