The Washington Commanders have got a lot of fresh faces to mix into their new-look defense next season. But there is one underperformer from the previous campaign who could be integral to the team's fortunes under new coordinator Daronte Jones.
Javon Kinlaw's first campaign in Washington was a massive flop, to put it mildly. Most perceived the three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed he signed in free agency as a massive overpay at the time, and the defensive lineman did nothing to silence the critics. For all his big talk during game weeks, there was very little substance attached on the field.
It was an ongoing frustration. Now, talk is incredibly cheap.
Talk is cheap for Javon Kinlaw in Year 2 with the Commanders
The Commanders kept hold of Kinlaw this offseason. It didn't make much financial sense for any other decision, in all honesty, and there is hope he can bring his game along as a 3-4 defensive end in Jones' projected scheme. He's keen to repay the team's faith, making his customary bullish claims during Washington's early offseason program. But if he cannot produce when it counts, he'll have a big problem on his hands.
Kinlaw's contract is much easier to get off this time next year. The Commanders will give him every chance to see out the deal, but the consistency needs to improve drastically. The former South Carolina standout failed to register a single sack last season, and while he flashed promise against the run, more is no doubt required.
What comes next is down to Kinlaw. He's always had the physical tools to be more impactful, but putting it all together remains complicated. The Commanders are not ready to give up on him just yet, but there will come a time when patience will eventually run out.
That's for the future. For now, optimism is high around the defensive trenches.
Pro Bowl lineman Daron Payne is still around, but he won't be getting a contract extension early. The Commanders signed Tim Settle Jr. in free agency, who could be the starting nose tackle. Head coach Dan Quinn is also expecting bigger things from Johnny Newton in Year 3 of his professional career, though he will need to improve as a run stopper to justify an expanded role.
Kinlaw will play a big role. He's not lacking confidence, even though he's never quite lived up to his first-round billing. General manager Adam Peters, who was part of the San Francisco 49ers' front office that drafted him, has not lost faith. The importance of delivering on this clear vote of confidence cannot be overstated.
The stakes could not be any higher for Kinlaw, but that goes for everybody on the Commanders after such a disastrous campaign. Unless he comes through, there is a good chance this will be his final campaign in Washington.
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