Commanders’ biggest offseason gamble is already changing everything

There weren't many eyebrows raised when the Washington Commanders released veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen when no willing trade suitor came forward. His production no longer matched the lofty paycheck, and it was clear from a long way out that a fresh start was needed for all parties. Adam Peters took a massive gamble in pursuit of finding an adequate replacement. This came with severe criticism, but it might end up being a masterstroke when it's all said and done. The Commanders saw something others didn't in Javon Kinlaw. Peters was confident enough in the defensive lineman's trajectory to give him a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, which was instantly deemed an overpay by most analysts based on his production in recent years. Kinlaw never met his first-round billing with the San Francisco 49ers. His one year on the New York Jets was solid, but it wasn't enough to get another commitment from the franchise. Washington gave Kinlaw a supreme vote of confidence. He's heard all