Following his stellar performance last season, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has clinched a lucrative deal with the New York Jets.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kinlaw has inked a one-year contract with the Jets.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2020 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Kinlaw showcased immense potential as a rookie, notching four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks across 14 games while anchoring the interior defensive line.
However, Kinlaw’s trajectory was hindered by injuries over the next two seasons. In 2021, knee issues limited his appearances to just four games before he underwent ACL reconstruction surgery.
Despite starting the 2022 season with three games under his belt, Kinlaw missed the subsequent two due to injury before landing on the injured reserve. Nonetheless, he rebounded to start in each of the 49ers’ final six regular-season games and all three playoff matchups.
Opting not to exercise the fifth-year option on Kinlaw’s rookie deal—a move that would have guaranteed him approximately $10.5 million in 2024—the 49ers underscored concerns about his durability.
In preparation for the 2023 season, Kinlaw adopted a revamped approach to his physical conditioning, including dietary adjustments and targeted exercises to enhance his body mechanics.
The strategic overhaul bore fruit, as Kinlaw boasted a perfect attendance record in all 20 games, playoffs included, setting personal bests in quarterback hits (six), tackles for loss (four), and sacks (3.5) during the regular season.
While Kinlaw’s injury history raises valid concerns, his standout performance in the previous season offers glimpses of his potential for the future. At 26 years old, with a prestigious first-round draft pedigree, Kinlaw remains poised for a promising career trajectory.
The Jets are wagering on Kinlaw’s ability to replicate his 2023 success with the 49ers while potentially augmenting his skill set to reach new heights as he enters his prime years.
