Some wondered about Kinlaw's future after the 49ers signed former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal. To many, the move seemingly signaled an admission that trading DeForest Buckner in 2020 and replacing him with Kinlaw was a mistake.
For those wondering why the 49ers don't simply cut ties with their injury-plagued defensive tackle, it's because there are no salary cap savings in doing so.
It's been reported that San Francisco is unlikely to use the fifth-year option on Kinlaw, which means 2023 might be his final season with the organization. All signs point toward the 49ers giving Kinlaw one more season, using him as a depth piece rather than hoping he can make a significant impact.
The good news for Kinlaw is that he seems to be doing much better with his surgically repaired knee this offseason.
"That will allow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to work part-time in a robust rotation," Inman wrote. "Kinlaw, by the way, is starting this offseason with a healthier knee than in past years. The 49ers have no designs to trade him ahead of the fourth (and final) year of his rookie contract."
That makes sense. Despite being a high draft pick, the 25-year-old defensive lineman has shown little to generate significant trade interest. Kinlaw has appeared in only 10 games over the last two seasons. He missed 11 games this past season due to complications with his knee.
The defensive tackle has accumulated only 1.5 sacks since the 49ers made him the No. 14 overall draft pick in 2020. Kinlaw's 31.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2022 season (including the playoffs) was the lowest on the team.