DT Javon Kinlaw signed a big contract with the Washington Commanders, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, but the Pittsburgh Steelers had interest in signing the former New York Jets defensive tackle, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Twitter.
Kinlaw is coming off a career-best season in his lone year with the Jets, as he had a career-high 4.5 sacks along with 40 total tackles and a career-high five tackles for a loss.
Originally a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, Kinlaw never lived up to his billing as a first-round pick, but he made good on his one-year prove-it deal with the Jets and cashed in with the Commanders.
Washington had a need at defensive tackle with the team releasing DT Jonathan Allen earlier this offseason, and they’ll turn to Kinlaw to fill the void. The Steelers have made it clear that upgrading their defensive line is a priority, but early on in the legal tampering period, the team has failed to make a move to address the position. DT Milton Williams, the best free-agent defender, is off the board, reportedly agreeing to terms with the New England Patriots, while DT B.J. Hill re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
There are still options out there for the Steelers, including a reunion with DT Javon Hargrave. But with the Steelers also releasing DT Larry Ogunjobi, their need at the position increased. It’s also a strong draft class at the position, and even with a free agent signing, the Steelers would still likely address the position in the draft, but the market so far has gotten going with the Steelers staying away.
It was a bigger-than-expected deal for Javon Kinlaw, and it will be interesting to see if the Steelers look to wait out the market and find a value signing or if they’ll make a move early on in the legal tampering period or free agency with a few big names already off the board. The Steelers also have to figure out their quarterback situation, but their move to acquire WR DK Metcalf via trade on Sunday shows their commitment to winning and being competitive now, and with money to spend, the Steelers will likely be involved and look to add a defensive lineman in the coming days.
Recommended for you