Commanders $45 million defensive tackle among most overpaid free agents

The Washington Commanders paid a pretty penny to get a replacement on the defensive line for Jonathan Allen.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 19, 2025

Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (54) reacts during the first half of their game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images / Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

In this story:

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders opened up their pocketbooks for New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract early in free agency.

Pro Football Focus wasn't a fan of the deal, naming Kinlaw as one of the five most overpaid free agents in the league this offseason.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is pressured by New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (54) during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Too much for Kinlaw?

"After four disappointing years with the 49ers, Kinlaw had the best season of his career with the Jets," Pro Football Focus writes.

"The former first-round pick’s 68.2 PFF pass-rush grade was a top-30 mark in the league, and he posted a career-high 4.5 sacks. Still, this feels like an overpay by the Commanders, considering he’s now one of the 20 highest-paid defensive tackles despite never earning a 60.0 PFF grade in any of his five seasons.

Joining Kinlaw on the list was Ter'shawn Wharton (Carolina Panthers), Dan Moore Jr. (Carolina Panthers), Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals) and Aaron Banks (Green Bay Packers).

Kinlaw will have the chance to prove himself for his hometown team in 2025 to show that he was worth every penny that the Commanders offered in free agency.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders OL compares Jayden Daniels to Texans star C.J. Stroud

• Commanders predicted to pick former FSU standout in first round of NFL draft

• NFL power rankings: Where are Commanders after first wave of free agency?

Published Mar 19, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.