The Detroit Lions are enjoying a stellar 2024 season, standing atop the NFC North with an 11-1 record after 13 weeks. Dan Campbell’s team has been nearly unstoppable, winning ten consecutive games following a 1-1 start. Their latest victory came on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13, a gritty 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears.
A major factor behind the Lions’ success has been their defense, particularly the interior of the defensive line. Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike have formed one of the league’s strongest defensive tackle duos, providing stability to Detroit’s injury-plagued line.
McNeill was rewarded with a four-year, $97 million contract extension on October 16, but Onwuzurike is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If general manager Brad Holmes is unable to re-sign the 2021 second-round pick, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggests that the Lions could target New York Jets defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw as a replacement.
Though not an elite talent, Kinlaw could adequately fill the void left by Onwuzurike. The former first-round pick, drafted 14th overall in 2020, spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Jets in the 2024 offseason.
While McNeill’s extension solidifies one spot on the line, the Lions still face depth concerns, with both Onwuzurike and John Cominsky heading to free agency. Adding Kinlaw could address this need without breaking the bank.
Kinlaw, now 27, has shown flashes of potential. In his final year with the 49ers in 2023, he recorded 3.5 sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in six starts. This season, he has started every game for the Jets, amassing 2.5 sacks and 21 pressures. Although inconsistent, Kinlaw is on track for his most productive season yet and should be an affordable free agent option.
Signing Kinlaw to a low-risk, high-reward contract would be a prudent move for Brad Holmes and the Lions if Onwuzurike departs in free agency. The South Carolina product could provide valuable depth and experience to Detroit’s defensive front.
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