Injury problems have become synonymous with the Washington Commanders throughout the last two seasons. And soon after Daron Payne suffered a season-ending foot fracture, his fellow defensive lineman, Javon Kinlaw, joined him on the shelf.
After Kinlaw's knee injury hadn't progressed as the Commanders had hoped, everyone decided something more drastic was required. The interior force underwent surgery for an MCL complication, and he won't play again in 2026.
And this leaves general manager Adam Peters with another massive offseason decision.
Commanders have a big decision to make with Javon Kinlaw during the offseason
The Commanders were widely ridiculed for giving Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. He did nothing to prove them right last season, falling way short of expectations and failing to back up his big talk with strong performances.
Washington kept faith, and cutting him loose made no financial sense. Kinlaw looked reinvigorated working as a 3-4 defensive end in Daronte Jones' scheme, turning in some outstanding efforts to get fans back onside.
Now, his momentum has come to an abrupt halt yet again.
But will this be the last time we see Kinlaw in a Washington uniform?
It's certainly a discussion that may be had between those in positions of power.
Kinlaw made improvements this season, but last year was beyond awful. The overall body of work may not be good enough to see out his contract, and there is just no telling if he will be the same player after his knee surgery.
Of course, much will also depend on how the Commanders fare without him.
Javon Kinlaw might be too valuable to cut, but potential Commanders changes could alter that
They could be looking for a new head coach, which would probably mean a new defensive coordinator, too. The new arrival might not see Kinlaw in their plans, but this was a big swing from Peters, and he will probably fight hard to keep it.
Peters cannot be stubborn. But the Commanders must be ruthless if they cannot turn things around this season.
Kinlaw counts $16.9 million against Washington's salary cap in the final year of his deal. There is no more guaranteed money, but releasing him would save only $7 million compared to a $9.9 million dead money figure after adding two voided years totaling $6.6 million.
If the Commanders designate Kinlaw's possible departure with a post-June 1 designation, savings rise to $13.3 million, with $3.3 million in dead money. However, that kicks the can down the road.
Removing Kinlaw from the equation would also leave the Commanders desperately thin in the defensive trenches.
Payne is out of contract and likely won't return. Shy Tuttle is on a one-year deal, and the same goes for Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. Tim Settle Jr. and Johnny Newton are under contract, but the free-agent signing has struggled so far, and the 2024 second-round pick hasn't come close to meeting his pre-draft billing.
Not exactly the picture of stability. And even though reinforcements would no doubt arrive through free agency and the 2027 NFL Draft, Kinlaw's experience could be vital to any potential transitional period.
Just when it looked like Kinlaw had started to find his groove, another setback has now arrived. It's a body blow to the team and the player, and it's hard to tell where things go from here.
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