With Dan Campbell’sclub 11-1 and top of the NFC North through 13 weeks, the Detroit Lions have maybe been the greatest team in the NFL this season. Following a 1-1 start, the Lions had won 10 straight games, and on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13 they defeated the Chicago Bears scrappingly 23-20.

The Lions’ success in 2024 has mostly come from their outstanding defensive performance, particularly in relation to the interior defensive line. As the pair brilliantly anchors Detroit’s injury-riddled defensive line, Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike have been among the top defensive tackle duads in the league this season.

On October 16, the Lions signed McNeill on a four-year, $97 million contract deal; Onwuzurike is scheduled to strike unrestricted free agency this summer. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report thinks New York Jets defensive player Javon Kinlaw might sign with Detroit if general manager Brad Holmes loses the 2021 second-round pick this summer.

While Levi Onwuzurike and John Cominsky are upcoming free agents, Detroit sensibly signed Alim McNeill to a contract deal. The squad will thus still need to provide some depth on the inside defensive line this summer.

Kinlaw is not exactly revolutionary. He has, nevertheless, been a consistent performer during his career. Stated differently, the 27-year-old should be reasonably priced in free agency and might offer off-bench contribution.

Although Kinlaw is not a top player, if the standout defensive lineman leaves Detroit this summer, the 2020 No. 14 overall choice would be sufficient for replacement. Before joining with the Jets in the 2024 offseason, Kinlaw spent his first four seasons of career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Until his last year with the organisation in 2023, when he registered 3.5 sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in six starts, the former South Carolina standout received minimal playing time in San Francisco.

Kinlaw has thus far in 2024 started every game for the Jets and accumulated 2.5 sacks and 21 quarterback pressures. Though he has been erratic this season, the 27-year-old is expected to enjoy his most successful campaign yet and should be somewhat reasonably priced to acquire.

If Onwuzurike goes in free agency, Brad Holmes would be wise to sign Kinlaw to a low-risk, high-reward deal.