Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
On Friday, ahead of the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a decision that shouldn't come as a surprise. On Friday night, after the second and third rounds of the draft were complete, general manager John Lynch revealed that the 49ers would not be doing the same thing for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
The injury-plagued Kinlaw is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, and it's looking likely to be his last with the 49ers. The fifth-year option would have guaranteed Kinlaw $10.5 million in 2024, per OverTheCap.com. However, it does not impact the amount Kinlaw is guaranteed from his 2023 base salary, as the entire $2.7 million amount was already fully guaranteed.
"I talked with Javon," Lynch told reporters, explaining the decision. "Still looking for great things from Javon. Javon's having an outstanding offseason. He's in a great place and he's excited about what's to come as are we for him."
Kinlaw, 25, has only appeared in 10 games over the past two seasons and recorded only 1.5 sacks since the 49ers made him the No. 14 overall draft pick in 2020. He has failed to live up to his first-round status when he has been on the field. Kinlaw's 31.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2022 season (including the playoffs) was the lowest on the team.
Why John Lynch believes a longer offseason will benefit the 49ers
By David Bonilla
Jan 3
For the first time since 2020, the San Francisco 49ers will begin their offseason earlier than usual, missing the playoffs after three consecutive deep postseason runs. With one game left in an injury-plagued and mistake-riddled campaign, the 49ers are shifting their focus to...
49ers' John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to hold end-of-season press conference on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Jan 7
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The event will allow local reporters to ask questions and gain insight into the team's plans for the offseason.
The...
49ers' Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch hold end-of-season press conference
By Site Staff
Jan 8
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan held their end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, reflecting on the team's 6-11 finish to its 2024 campaign. Here is everything they said.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers...
49ers plan to release Javon Hargrave, keep Deebo Samuel; Trent Williams 'committed' to return
By David Bonilla
Jan 8
During the San Francisco 49ers' end-of-season press conference, general manager John Lynch confirmed that Javon Hargrave's time with the team will likely end. The 49ers plan to release the defensive tackle with a post-June 1 designation to ease the impact on the salary...
