The Green Bay Packers are actively seeking cost-effective solutions to bolster their run defense in the upcoming NFL free agency. A former first-round pick, San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, has been identified as a potential target for the Packers at a reasonable price. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests that Green Bay, facing challenges against the run in the previous season, is a logical fit for Kinlaw. Despite his limited track record, Kinlaw’s impressive 3.5-sack performance with the 49ers could make him an affordable acquisition for the Packers.
In a February 1 article on budget-friendly free agents, Knox highlighted that teams like the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, both struggling against the run in 2023, could be suitable suitors for Kinlaw if his modest resume affects his asking price. Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the team’s improving financial situation in the 2024 offseason, anticipating a better position in terms of the salary cap. While currently projected to be approximately $2.86 million over the cap by Over the Cap, Gutekunst expressed confidence in utilizing various strategies such as veteran cuts, restructures, and contract extensions to create the necessary cap space for potential opportunities in free agency.
Javon Kinlaw Took Step Forward for 49ers in 2023
San Francisco 49ers, selected as the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has fallen short of the expectations associated with his draft position. Despite being part of San Francisco’s Super Bowl runner-up defensive line in his rookie season, he failed to impress and faced significant injuries over the following two years, restricting him to just 10 games between 2021 and 2022. The 49ers signaled a willingness to part ways with him before the 2023 season, opting to sign Javon Hargrave and declining Kinlaw’s fifth-year option.
However, Kinlaw experienced a notable resurgence in the 2023 season, recording 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss in the regular season while participating in all 17 games. He added two more tackles for loss in the playoffs, contributing to the 49ers’ postseason victories. Despite some uneven performances, Kinlaw demonstrated growth throughout the season, improving his stock as he approached NFL free agency.
The challenge, particularly concerning the Packers, lies in Kinlaw’s performance as a run defender. Pro Football Focus rated him with a career-low 31.3 grade in run defense during the 2023 season, ranking 15th-worst among the 213 defensive linemen who played at least one snap against the run. Kinlaw’s struggles against the run were evident in his game footage, with opposing run blockers exploiting his slow get-off, leading to frequent dominance over him. Although he accumulated 15 total defensive stops in his fourth year, it does little to overshadow his limitations, particularly in run defense.
Could Packers Still Roll the Dice on Javon Kinlaw?
While the description of Javon Kinlaw’s performance in run defense may not make him the most enticing free-agent prospect for the Packers, it aligns with Brian Gutekunst’s established pattern. The Packers’ general manager has a history of signing players with untapped potential, often those overlooked on practice squads or facing job challenges due to injuries. This approach has yielded mixed results but has also uncovered success stories like De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas.
If Kinlaw’s performance in 2023 increases his market value during the initial free agency wave, the Packers may need to evaluate their options. However, if he remains unsigned after the initial flurry, Gutekunst could potentially negotiate an affordable one-year deal that aligns with the team’s financial constraints. Pro Football Focus projects such a scenario, estimating a one-year contract for Kinlaw at $5.5 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed.
Alternatively, the Packers possess valuable draft assets, holding five selections within the first 100 picks. With the No. 25 pick in the first round and the No. 41 pick from the New York Jets in the second round, the team has the opportunity to address their needs through the draft. Potential prospects like Jer’Zhan Newton from Illinois, Byron Murphy II from Texas, Kris Jenkins from Michigan, and Mekhi Wingo from LSU could all be considered within the 25-to-41 range, providing the Packers with promising options to bolster their roster.
