Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL
When the Washington Commanders splashed the cash on defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw this offseason, it raised more than a few eyebrows around the league. This was a veteran expected to get a one-year, prove-it deal somewhere after an underwhelming campaign with the New York Jets. Adam Peters had other ideas.
Peters believed Kinlaw was worth a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. He immediately stepped into the role vacated by Jonathan Allen. But despite all his brash talk leading into games, there isn't much substance attached when it comes to the crunch.
Kinlaw flashed moments of promise. As has typically been the case throughout his career, it's nowhere near consistent enough. And for someone held to a higher standard, thanks to his paycheck, it hasn't been good enough.
The former South Carolina standout is undisciplined, often letting his emotions get the better of him. Kinlaw was almost ejected against the Detroit Lions before getting dismissed against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a player everyone is looking to for inspiration. Instead, he's falling by the wayside in more ways than one.
Washington will keep Kinlaw around next season. It makes no financial sense to release him next spring, but if the same subpar performances continue in 2026, it'll be his last campaign with the Commanders.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
It's hard to look at Frankie Luvu's performance levels this season and think it's the same player who earned second-team All-Pro honors with the Commanders during his first season with the club in 2024. He's been a shell of his old self, and the coaching staff needs to take accountability for how his campaign has panned out.
Luvu thrives as an off-ball linebacker. This allows him to be instinctive, explosive, and to make things happen in the open field. Injuries have forced the Commanders to deploy the undrafted free agent out of Washington State as an edge rusher more often than not, where he is far less effective.
The second-level enforcer is a momentum player. You can visibly see him rise in confidence and conviction when he gains the upper hand early. There's been much more hesitancy in his game this time around, stemming from being tasked with responsibilities that don't maximize his skill set.
This has to change over Washington's final two games and into next season. Luvu is under contract in 2026 but will be a free agent after that. The Commanders must tap into what made him such an influential performer last season, especially with Bobby Wagner's future under a cloud.