Commanders' most questioned signing set to rewrite the narrative in 2025

The Washington Commanders' biggest offseason priority became apparent pretty quickly. Adam Peters wanted to fortify the trenches on both sides of the football. That's how he believes Dan Quinn's squad can keep pace with the newly crowned Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles moving forward.

Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and picking Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft came with widespread approval. Giving defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw a lucrative deal in free agency didn't come with the same praise.

Kinlaw's three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed was swiftly met with severe criticism. Most analysts thought the Commanders massively overpaid to secure his services. The fact that Pro Bowl veteran Jonathan Allen was released only raises the stakes further.

Javon Kinlaw tipped to spearhead Commanders' defensive renaissance

Confidence is high in the building. Peters knows Kinlaw well from their time together on the San Francisco 49ers. Most don't agree, but the front-office leader is convinced that his physical presence and run-stopping prowess will complement what Daron Payne and Johnny Newton bring to the table.

This was a sentiment echoed by Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points. The analyst touted Kinlaw as a hidden gem who could make a huge difference for the Commanders in 2025. He also believes Washington's defensive tackle trio has what it takes to become a surprise package when competitive action commences.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters has received plenty of criticism for the contract the organization gave to [Javon] Kinlaw. The 49ers drafted him with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. But Kinlaw hasn’t lived up to the billing. Kinlaw’s presence in the middle of the defense, combined with Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton, gives the Commanders an underrated interior that could be the surprise unit of the team.Douglas Fritz

Peters has earned enough trust from fans after completely turning around the Commanders. Kinlaw's arrival may not have been looked upon favorably, but nobody will be complaining if the South Carolina graduate exceeds expectations.

Kinlaw has the athletic tools to be more impactful. Things didn't go according to plan with the New York Jets last season, but that failed to prevent Peters from losing faith. Repaying this is crucial, and the former first-round pick is already working hard to achieve this objective.

The Commanders were found wanting on their offensive and defensive lines when it came to the crunch last season. If Kinlaw emerges as Peters anticipates, that won't be the case for much longer.

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