DT Javon Kinlaw signed a big contract with the Washington Commanders, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, but the Pittsburgh Steelers had interest in signing the former New York Jets defensive tackle, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Twitter.
Kinlaw is coming off a career-best season in his lone year with the Jets, as he had a career-high 4.5 sacks along with 40 total tackles and a career-high five tackles for a loss.
A first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, Kinlaw never lived up to that billing, but he made good on his one-year, prove-it deal with the Jets and cashed in with the Commanders.
Washington had a need at defensive tackle after releasing DT Jonathan Allen earlier this offseason, and it will turn to Kinlaw to fill the void. The Steelers have made it clear that upgrading their defensive line is a priority, but early in the legal tampering period, the team has failed to address the position. DT Milton Williams, the best free-agent defender, is off the board, reportedly agreeing to terms with the New England Patriots, while DT B.J. Hill re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
There are still options out there for the Steelers, including a reunion with DT Javon Hargrave. But with the Steelers also releasing DT Larry Ogunjobi, their need at the position has increased. It’s also a strong draft class at the position, and even with a free agent signing, the Steelers would still likely address the position in the draft.
It was a bigger-than-expected deal for Javon Kinlaw, and it will be interesting to see if the Steelers wait out the market and find a value signing or if they’ll make a move early on in the legal tampering period or free agency with a few big names already off the board. The Steelers also have to figure out their quarterback situation, but their move to acquire WR DK Metcalf via trade on Sunday shows their commitment to winning and being competitive now. With money to spend, the Steelers will likely look to add a defensive lineman in the coming days.
