The Detroit Lions have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL this season, holding an 11-1 record and leading the NFC North as they head into Week 13. After a 1-1 start, the Lions have reeled off ten straight victories, including a hard-fought 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day.
A key factor in the Lions’ success has been the stellar play of their defense, particularly the interior defensive line. The duo of Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike has been one of the top defensive tackle pairs in the league, anchoring a defensive line that has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the year.
McNeill’s impressive play earned him a four-year, $97 million contract extension in mid-October. However, Onwuzurike, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, could be leaving Detroit, which means the team may need to look for a replacement.
If Onwuzurike departs, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder predicts that Detroit could target New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw, who has been a steady contributor over the years, could provide depth to Detroit’s defensive line at a relatively affordable price.
While Kinlaw isn’t a game-changing player, he has been solid throughout his career and would be a valuable addition to the Lions. At 27 years old, he could come off the bench and contribute, making him an appealing option for the Lions to consider in free agency.
Kinlaw, the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, spent his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Jets in the 2024 offseason. His time with the 49ers was marked by limited playing time, but his performance improved in 2023 when he tallied 3.5 sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in just six starts.
This season, Kinlaw has been a regular starter for the Jets, recording 2.5 sacks and 21 quarterback pressures. While his play has been inconsistent, he is having his most productive season yet and could be a cost-effective addition to the Lions’ defense, especially if Onwuzurike does not return.
