The Detroit Lions have probably been the greatest team in the NFL this season, with Dan Campbell’s group 11-1 and leading the NFC North after 13 weeks. The Lions have won ten straight games following a 1-1 start, including a tough 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13.
One of the key reasons for the Lions’ success in 2024 has been the defense’s outstanding performance, particularly the interior defensive line. Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike have been one of the league’s best defensive tackle duos this season, anchoring the center of Detroit’s injury-plagued defensive line.
On October 16, the Lions signed McNeill to a four-year, $97 million contract extension, although Onwuzurike will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason. If general manager Brad Holmes fails to keep the 2021 second-round pick this offseason, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder believes New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw might join Detroit
Detroit wisely signed Alim McNeill to a contract extension, but Levi Onwuzurike and John Cominsky are impending free agents. So the team will still need to add some depth on the interior defensive line this offseason.
Kinlaw isn’t a game-changer by any means. However, he has been a solid player throughout his career. In other words, the 27-year-old could contribute off the bench and should be affordable in free agency.
Although Kinlaw is not an outstanding talent, the 2020 No.14 overall choice might be a suitable replacement for Onwuzurike if the standout defensive tackle leaves Detroit this offseason. Kinlaw spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Jets in the 2024 offseason.
The former South Carolina standout had limited playing time in San Francisco until his final season in 2023, when he recorded 3.5 sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in six starts
Kinlaw has started every game for the Jets in 2024, with 2.5 sacks and 21 quarterback pressures to date. The 27-year-old has been inconsistent this season, but he is poised to have his best productive season yet and should be very inexpensive to sign
Overall, signing Kinlaw to a low-risk, high-reward contract would be a wise decision by Brad Holmes if Onwuzurike leaves in free agency.
