Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
Adam Peters drew widespread criticism for giving Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed during 2025 free agency. Most skeptics immediately called it a massive overpay, and his abysmal first season proved the naysayers right.
The Washington Commanders kept faith with Kinlaw this season. Daronte Jones moved him to a 3-4 defensive end in his scheme, which let him play more aggressively. It had the desired effect, with the South Carolina product catching the eye with some outstanding performances over the opening stages of the season.
This momentum proved fleeting. Kinlaw is now out for the season after undergoing surgery on an MCL injury, which was disappointing. Considering Daron Payne is also on the shelf, it's a hammer blow to Washington's hopes of defensive growth.
It also casts real doubt on Kinlaw's future beyond the campaign. He's got one more year on his deal, but even if he doesn't like it, Peters could cut him loose in the offseason.
Commanders' center position botch
The Commanders took a major risk at center this offseason. Adam Peters released starting option Tyler Biadasz and struck out on Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. The front-office leader looked relaxed about it, placing his faith in Nick Allegretti to fill the void.
Even when Allegretti missed all of training camp, Peters wasn't concerned. He thought everything would work out fine, but the reality painted a very different picture.
To no one's surprise, Allegretti struggled and has now been benched. Sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin isn't ready to fill the void, and might never be. This left the Commanders with no option but to bring Lucas Patrick off the street and immediately thrust him into a starting job.
This was a complete botch by Peters, made worse by giving Allegretti a one-year extension. And if the Commanders had any sense, they would finally give this key spot the attention it deserves during the offseason.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
The new regime made linebacker Frankie Luvu a high-priority signing in 2024 free agency. This proved to be a shrewd move, with the inspirational presence bringing a fire and passion that had been sorely lacking previously.
Luvu earned second-team All-Pro honors in his first season with the club. Things didn't go nearly as well last time around, though that was largely down to playing so much on the edge amid the Commanders' injury crisis.
Daronte Jones shifted Luvu into an off-ball role this season, and he is thriving again. His partnership with first-round rookie Sonny Styles forms the backbone of Washington's defense, but whether it's enough for a new deal after 2026 is another matter.
Adam Peters is saving money for some upcoming contract extensions, and Luvu could be among them. He's on the wrong side of 30 now, but he shows no signs of slowing down, so another deal should be strongly considered.
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