New Commanders DL Javon Kinlaw is already a fan favorite
On Monday, the NFL world was shocked when the Washington Commanders agreed to terms with former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. Not because the Commanders signed Kinlaw, but because they gave him a three-year deal worth $45 million with $30 million guaranteed.
San Francisco fans couldn't believe it, and neither could Jets fans. Kinlaw spent four seasons with the 49ers and last season with the Jets. Injuries were an issue for Kinlaw with the 49ers, and, let's be honest, everyone with the New York Jets stunk in 2024.
On Friday, Kinlaw, like other Washington free-agent additions and re-signings before him, was introduced to the local media via Zoom. Kinlaw didn't take long to make a positive impression on Commanders fans.
"I grew up in Northeast D.C., so I'm a real Skins fan, point blank. Period." Kinlaw said. "When I was growing up, Trent Williams was on the team, and Jordan Reed and I got to be teammates with them guys my rookie year. For me to be able to be on this team now is a full-circle moment for me."
Javon Kinlaw: "I grew up in northeast D.C., so I'm a real Skins fan. Point blank, period." pic.twitter.com/cjJbP6WNNs
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 14, 2025
That's the perfect way to get fans on your side: mention the old team nickname and reveal you grew up a fan. Being from D.C., Kinlaw likely was a fan, and returning to play for his hometown means something special to him.
And it sounds like he's already won over many fans.
That’s all I need to know
— MadHatter LJ 🎩🐷 (@MadHatter_LJ) March 14, 2025
And another:
This is why I can’t be taken serious, now I’m getting his jersey 😂
— Tim Meek (@IndySkinsFan) March 14, 2025
We told you:
"Skins fan."
— Dale Betterton (@DaleBetterton) March 14, 2025
My new favorite player. 😀
Kinlaw paid close attention to the Commanders' resurgence last season. The team went from a four-win team to 12 regular-season wins and played in the NFC championship game. He now hopes to be a part of the team that leads the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship since the 1991 season.
There's a lot to like about Kinlaw, beginning with his size (6-foot-5, 319) and age (27). Washington general manager Adam Peters knows him well. Peters was the assistant GM in San Francisco before coming to the Commanders last year. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn had a plan this offseason to fix the trenches, and Kinlaw is a major part of that plan.
Despite the initial shock, Washington fans should embrace Kinlaw and trust Peters and Quinn. They've earned the benefit of the doubt.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: New Washington Commanders DL Javon Kinlaw impresses fans already
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