ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the New York Jets have agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. The unrestricted free agent's contract can be finalized on Wednesday, the start of the new league year.
Kinlaw, 26, reunites with Jets head coach Robert Saleh, the 49ers' defensive coordinator when the defensive lineman entered the league.
San Francisco drafted Kinlaw (6-5, 319) out of South Carolina with the No. 14 overall pick in 2020. In 17 game appearances (six starts) last season, he registered 25 tackles, four tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and three passes defensed, per Pro Football Reference.
After failing to live up to his draft status and being plagued by knee injuries, the 49ers opted not to exercise Kinlaw's fifth-year option, allowing him to test free agency this offseason.
Kinlaw has recorded 70 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, five sacks, seven passes defensed, an interception, and a touchdown in 41 game appearances (28 starts) over his four NFL seasons.
On Monday, the 49ers agreed to terms on deals with defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos. Over the weekend, it was reported that the team plans to release Arik Armstead after discussions to lower the defensive lineman's salary fell through.
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