Detriots’ Big Splash: Lions to Add Jets’ $7 Million Starter to Roster
The Detroit Lions have arguably been the best team in the NFL this season, as Dan Campbell’s squad is 11-1 and atop the NFC North through 13 weeks. The Lions have won ten consecutive games after a 1-1 start and tallied a scrappy 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13.
One of the primary reasons for the Lions’ success in 2024 has been the impressive play of the defense, especially the interior defensive line. Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike have been one of the better defensive tackle duos in the league this season, as the tandem admirably anchors the middle of Detroit’s injury-riddled defensive line.
The Lions signed McNeill to a four-year, $97 million contract extension on Oct.16, but Onwuzurike is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. If general manager Brad Holmes fails to retain the 2021 second-round pick this offseason, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder believes New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw could sign with Detroit.
Though Kinlaw isn’t an elite player, the 2020 No.14 overall pick would be an adequate replacement for Onwuzurike if the star defensive tackle departs Detroit this offseason. Kinlaw spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Francisco 49ers before signing with the Jets in the 2024 offseason.
The former South Carolina standout saw limited playing time in San Francisco till his final year with the team in 2023, when he posted 3.5 sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in six starts.
Thus far in 2024, Kinlaw has started every game for the Jets and has tallied 2.5 sacks and 21 quarterback pressures. The 27-year-old has been inconsistent this season but is set to have his most productive campaign yet and should be relatively cheap to acquire.
Overall, signing Kinlaw to a low-risk, high-reward deal would be a savvy move from Brad Holmes if Onwuzurike walks in free agency.
