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.