Washington Commanders agree to terms with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, AP sources say

The Washington Commanders made a big splash in the first hours of NFL free agency Monday, agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

One of the people said the contract was worth $45 million over the next three seasons, with $30 million guaranteed. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be made official until the start of the new league year Wednesday.

Kinlaw, 27, becomes an immediate replacement for Jonathan Allen after the second-longest-tenured player in the organization was released last week. Punter Tress Way, the longest-tenured player, and tight end John Bates re-signed with Washington, one of the people said.

A first-round pick by San Francisco out of South Carolina in 2020, Kinlaw had 4 1/2 sacks and 40 tackles last season with the New York Jets after spending his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers.

The addition of Kinlaw strengthens an already formidable position even without Allen for the Commanders, who still have 2022 Pro Bowl pick Daron Payne and 2024 second-round pick Johnny Newton as interior defensive linemen. After re-signing six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner and bringing back veteran tight end Zach Ertz, general manager Adam Peters is expected to target edge rushers, among others, in free agency and the draft.

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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

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