Commanders signed Javon Kinlaw
The Washington Commanders wasted no time in finding a replacement for recently released veteran Jonathan Allen. They raised a few eyebrows by signing Javon Kinlaw within hours of the legal tampering window opening.
Kinlaw signed a three-year, $45 million deal that came with $30 million guaranteed. While Adam Peters knows the player well from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers, the money attached to this acquisition was astonishing.
The lineman's career was impacted by injury in San Francisco. Kinlaw landed on the New York Jets in 2024 but never reached the level expected. He often became a liability and fans couldn't wait to see him go. That makes the signing even more bemusing.
Washington wants to go bigger in the trenches. Kinlaw is a formidable presence to move off the block. Peters believes he can offer something a little different. And make no mistake, the general manager has earned plenty of trust from the fans for his exceptional roster construction since taking the general manager job.
- Signing grade: B-
This could be a shrewd piece of business by the Commanders if Kinlaw seizes the opportunity alongside Daron Payne and Johnny Newton on the defensive line interior. But the money looks like an overpay until further notice.
Even so, confidence is high thanks in no small part to Peters' outstanding personnel evaluation.
Commanders re-signed Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner's impact on the Washington Commanders cannot be overstated. The veteran linebacker remained highly productive on the field. He also spearheaded a sensational locker room culture shift through professionalism and leadership.
Wagner's partnership with Frankie Luvu at the defensive second level became a significant strength. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer might not be the sideline-to-sideline presence of old, but his experience and veteran savvy were more than enough to warrant another one-year commitment.
This was a no-brainer. Wagner has unfinished business in Washington and wants to see another year of this ambitious project. It allows the Commanders to bring along Jordan Magee at their own pace after an injury-hit rookie campaign. Considering this team is ready to win right now, the Utah State product was a must-retain by the organization.
- Signing grade: A
Whether this is Wagner's final NFL season hasn't been disclosed. The player doesn't have long left at 35 years old when the 2025 campaign arrives, so the Commanders will be hoping he goes out with a bang.
The Commanders think Wagner has a lot of goof football left. Based on last season's production en route to Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, it's not hard to see why.