Getty SI.com's All Lions' Christian Booher encouraged the Detroit Lions to target former first-round defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.
Signing high-profile players always makes the biggest splash in NFL free agency. But that isn’t necessarily the best way to build a Super Bowl contender, the Detroit Lions included. Adding quality “tier 2” free agents is often the key.
SI.com’s All Lions’ Christian Booher argued on March 7 that defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw should be on the “tier 2” free agent wish list for the Lions.
“Despite his injuries, Kinlaw has had encouraging moments since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2020,” Booher wrote. “He’s athletic and impactful in both aspects of defense, be it run or pass, with 35 pressures and a 69.7 run-defense grade.
“The South Carolina product has plenty of talent and could benefit from a new opportunity. With the depth for Detroit being uncertain as it is, Kinlaw on a short-term deal could be a good addition for the organization.”
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Kinlaw at No. 14 overall in the 2020 NFL draft.
In 41 games with San Francisco, Kinlaw posted 70 combined tackles, including 7 tackles for loss. He also had 5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, 7 pass defenses and 1 interception.
The 49ers elected not to pick up Kinlaw’s fifth-year option last year. Therefore, he will be able to test free agency this offseason.
How Javon Kinlaw Could Fit With the Lions
Kinlaw played well, making 12 starts as a rookie in 2020. But the following two seasons, he missed 24 contests because of injuries.
Then in 2023, 49ers free agent addition Javon Hargrave replaced Kinlaw in the starting lineup. Kinlaw needs a fresh start somewhere, and while Detroit may not offer him a long-term deal, he could receive an opportunity to be a starter or quality rotational defensive tackle with the Lions.
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill emerged as a budding star for the Lions last season. But other than McNeill, Detroit only has Levi Onwuzurike, Brodric Martin and Chris Smith on the roster at defensive tackle.
Neither Martin nor Smith played more than 28 defensive snaps during the 2023 season. Furthermore, Onwuzurike is a potential cut candidate.
The Lions could re-sign veteran defensive tackles Tyson Alualu or Benito Jones. Both are set to depart in NFL free agency (Jones is a restricted free agent).
But Kinlaw offers more upside than either of those two veterans, particularly Alualu, who turns 37 in May.
Other Potential Interior Defensive Line Additions for Lions
While there’s an obvious hole next to McNeill along Detroit’s defensive line, it’s not the biggest need the Lions possess on defense. That would be at cornerback and edge rusher.
The Lions finished the 2023 season ranked 27th in pass defense. They were also 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt and 23rd in sacks.
Adding an edge rusher or elite cover cornerback should be Detroit’s top priority in free agency. Those two positions could be the team’s top priority again in the first round of the NFL draft.
The Lions are in a great cap situation with about $54.3 million to spend. But the team does have several contract extensions that it likely wants to offer star players already on the roster.
That could mean Detroit targeting “tier 2” free agents at secondary needs such as the interior of the defensive line.
In addition to Kinlaw, Booher named defensive line veterans Maurice Hurst and A’Shawn Robinson as “tier 2” options in free agency for the Lions.
Hurst and Robinson are likely upgrades over what the Lions already have on their roster at defensive tackle. However, Kinlaw probably possesses the most upside of the three options.