The New York Jets took a chance on defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw this offseason, hoping that the former first-round pick can shake off his “bust” label in 2024.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay highlighted several players who could redeem themselves after 2024, including Zach Wilson. Kay explained how Kinlaw could change his NFL trajectory.
“Despite his lack of production, the 26-year-old might finally become a valuable defensive tackle in New York,” Kay wrote. “If Kinlaw can improve upon his promising performance last year, stay healthy, and consistently disrupt plays in the opposing backfield, he’ll not only justify his current contract but also position himself for a long-term deal next spring.”
The Jets inked Kinlaw to a one-year, $7.25 million contract this offseason. Fans are optimistic that he can do enough to earn another contract in New York.
Javon Kinlaw’s Disappointing NFL Career
Kinlaw was anticipated to become the next standout defensive lineman in the NFL. However, he’s still striving to establish himself as a reliable contributor and turn his career around.
Before his NFL journey, Kinlaw was a standout player for South Carolina. Despite offers from prestigious programs like Alabama and Clemson as a 3-star recruit, he chose to stay in his home state. Initially, he spent a year with a JUCO program before joining the SEC powerhouse.
Kinlaw quickly made his presence felt for the Gamecocks. He tallied 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, eight pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in three seasons. His final college campaign earned him first-team All-SEC honors.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Kinlaw with the 14th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Though they traded back a spot, the first-round selection they used was part of the trade that sent DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts.
Unfortunately, Kinlaw struggled to meet the expectations of replacing an All-Pro at his position. He only managed five sacks in four seasons and spent time on injured reserve in both 2021 and 2022.
The positive news is that Kinlaw began to show promise in 2023. He recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks while playing in all 17 regular season games. The Jets are counting on him to stay healthy and build on that performance in 2024.
The Jets Have Plenty of Talent Up Front
In New York, Kinlaw will face less pressure than before. Instead of being seen as a direct replacement for Buckner, he’ll be considered a veteran on an affordable short-term contract.
Moreover, Kinlaw will benefit from playing alongside top talent. He’ll be paired with Quinnen Williams, one of the league’s premier defensive linemen, who has earned two Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection at just 26 years old.
Additionally, the Jets have bolstered their pass rush from the edges. General manager Joe Douglas orchestrated a major trade for Haason Reddick and invested multiple first-round picks in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV in recent years.
With such a strong supporting cast, Kinlaw simply needs to build on his 2023 performance to become a valuable contributor to the Jets’ defense.
