Commanders' biggest bust for 2025 has already become painfully obvious

The Washington Commanders are entering a season in which much is expected. For head coach Dan Quinn's squad to reach their lofty objectives, they cannot afford to have any passengers.

Some will have more responsibilities on their shoulders than others. But make no mistake, everyone must make a lasting contribution in pursuit of getting one over on the Philadelphia Eagles.

And for one boom-or-bust acquisition, it could legitimately go either way.

Adam Peters focused his primary investments on the trenches this offseason. Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. sured up the offensive line, but the defensive front also got enhanced to cover all bases.

Javon Kinlaw is Commanders' boom-or-bust player who could change everything in 2025

Jonathan Allen is gone, released by the franchise before signing for the Minnesota Vikings. The Commanders replaced him with Javon Kinlaw, who got more money than almost anyone expected after a middling season with the New York Jets in 2024.

Kinlaw was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers when Peters held a prominent position in their front office. He's never met his first-round billing, but Washington's general manager believes there is still some untapped potential left.

And, more importantly, this is the exact environment that can help him fulfill it.

The Commanders bet big on this scenario becoming reality, giving Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed. That might have been an overpay to most, but the criticism surrounding the transaction has lit a fire under the former South Carolina standout this offseason.

Kinlaw believes in his abilities. He wants to repay the faith shown in him by the Commanders. He wants to silence his doubters and provide a level of aggressiveness and physical dominance that was sorely lacking during the previous campaign.

Having Daron Payne and Johnny Newton should also help. This will allow the Commanders to move Kinlaw around in their quest to exploit mismatches. Getting off to a strong start is crucial. This should provide the momentum needed for a profitable campaign for the player and the franchise.

The signs are positive so far. At the same time, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of this move blowing up in the Commanders' face.

Kinlaw has lacked consistency throughout his career. For all the flashes of brilliance, the defensive lineman does tend to go missing on occasion. That cannot happen in Washington when one considers the high stakes attached in 2025.

What comes next is down to Kinlaw. He cannot become a bust, but it's a possibility until further notice.

And only the player can change this narrative for the better.

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