In 2020, with the 14th overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers drafted Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw heads into his fourth season with the 49ers. Since he was a first-round pick, the 49ers have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the defensive tackle's fifth-year option. Below are three reasons why the 49ers may decline that fifth-year option.
Productivity
Kinlaw has produced only 29 pressures, 1.5 sacks, four hits, and 22 hurries, along with a pick-six in his NFL career. The interception happened during his rookie season against the Los Angeles Rams, his most productive season of the three.
Durability
Kinlaw has played in 23 regular season games in three seasons. Injuries to his knees have kept him inactive for most of his career. In 2022, Kinlaw produced amazing workout videos and had a good camp. He missed two games this past season due to a flare-up in his surgically repaired knee before landing on injured reserve on October 15, 2022. After missing nine more games, he was activated off of injured reserve in late December.
Kinlaw flashed as a dominant run-stuffing defensive tackle. However, Kinlaw's weaknesses appeared to be exposed in the NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Due to his injuries, the defensive tackle's availability wasn't his best ability.
Money
The 49ers must find a way to extend Nick Bosa. If the 49ers exercise Kinlaw's fifth-year option, it will cost the team an estimated $10.5 million, per OverTheCap.com. This amount of money may be a pretty hefty price tag for a player who has been unavailable for most of his career.
In Conclusion
The best-case scenario for Kinlaw is to get healthy this off-season. A healthy Kinlaw can help the team tremendously. If he has a record-breaking season with the 49ers, he will hit the free-agent market and can command a decent price tag.
Do you think the 49ers should use the fifth-year option on Javon Kinlaw? Make sure to comment below.