Daily Slop – 12 Jul 25 – Everybody’s talking about the Commanders defensive line this week!

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

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Articles

Commanders.com

Commanders 2025 training camp preview | Defensive line

• Can the Commanders maximize Kinlaw? There were plenty of questions when the Commanders signed Kinlaw to a multi-year deal, but they believe they have the tools to get the most out of his skill set. For one, Peters was part of the front office that drafted him, so he has a strong idea of his strengths and potential. Washington’s defensive line coach, Darryl Tapp, worked with Kinlaw with the San Francisco 49ers and helped improve his skill set after dealing with multiple injuries early in his career. Quinn, who played defensive line in college, also has a strong working knowledge of the position and can offer assistance throughout the year. Plus, the Commanders believe Kinlaw is an ascending player, and they hit on signing players at the right time last year when they brought in Frankie Luvu and Tyler Biadasz. Kinlaw has a 6-foot-5, 319-pound frame and used it well at times to stop the run for the 49ers. He also has some skills as a pass-rusher, which the Commanders will need after releasing Jonathan Allen. Although it’s a gamble, like all free agent signings, the Commanders believe Kinlaw has more to give, and they’re going to help him maximize those traits.
• Will Newton take the next step? The Commanders were surprised when Newton fell to them in the second round, and they took him believing he could provide a boost to their interior pass rush. Newton took more time to develop last season because of injuries, but he made a good impression on his coaches during OTAs and minicamp. Newton believes he is ready for a bigger role, and Quinn said he saw an “uptick” in his play strength. The key will be for him to remain healthy, but assuming he can do that, he looks primed to compete for a starting job opposite Payne.
• Can they stop the run? This is the biggest question the Commanders had to answer during the offseason. Saquon Barkley is going to remain in the NFC East for a while longer, and if they hope to get past him and the Eagles, both in terms of the division standings and the playoffs, they must find ways to contain him. Although they didn’t make any flashy signings at defensive line, they did raise the talent level up front by bringing in bigger, more physical players who have a history of being solid run-stoppers. Martin and Wise both know how to set edges in the run game — a problem for the team last season, and players like Goldman have the size profile to stop up the middle of Washington’s defense. In theory, the Commanders have the pieces to at least be better at containing running backs, but those new pieces must mesh with the veterans to create a more cohesive position group. It’s often unwise to make aggrandizing proclamations in the summer, but much of Washington’s success in 2025 will hinge on whether they can be better on the ground.

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Hogs Haven

What did the 49ers see in Javon Kinlaw?

Washington defensive end Javon Kinlaw was originally taken with the 14th pick in the 2020 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. As anyone paying attention knows, Adam Peters was a key component of the front office that selected him. This piece is a look back at the circumstances surrounding the drafting of Kinlaw, to see if we can glean what the 49ers front office, and perhaps even Peters, saw in Kinlaw when they took him out of South Carolina during the “COVID draft.”

In May 2020, Kinlaw’s former coach heaped a ton of praise on the recently drafted player, but he was also frank about what he saw as a weakness: A lack of range in his pass rush moves.

In a recent review of Kinlaw, Mark Bullock picked up on the fact that, 5 years later, this issues still remains: “The quickness and movement skills at his size are rare. The power and length will give almost all interior lineman issues if used properly. But he’s just a bit erratic with it all right now and that allows more savvy blockers to get the better of him.”

Kinlaw’s bull rush is dominant, and according to Bullock, he “sees plenty of potential for him as a run defender as well,” but it’s about creating a consistency in both phases of the game that has not existed for Kinlaw to date. We’ll see if Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have the ability to coach Kinlaw up to a level where he can finally realize the potential people have been talking about since before he entered the league.

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Commanders.com

2025 opponent breakdown | Seattle Seahawks

• Can Darnold recapture the magic he had in Minnesota? Darnold was one of the best stories in the NFL last season, as he led the Vikings to a 14-3 record on his way to passing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. The Vikings chose to put their faith in JJ McCarthy, their first-round pick from last season, and let Darnold sign with the Seahawks. It’s possible Darnold has breathed new life into his career, and the Seahawks struck big on a similar situation with Geno Smith. However, there are questions about whether his success is partly due to the Vikings’ roster as well as Kevin O’Connell’s play-calling. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak doesn’t have O’Connell’s reputation, but there are some interesting pieces on Seattle’s offense that could help Darnold capture the success he had in 2024.
• Can Kupp revitalize his career? When healthy, Kupp has proven that he is one of the best wide receivers in the league today. The problem is that he hasn’t been as available since his career season in 2021, when he led the league in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns. He has still managed to put up at least 700 yards in each of the last three seasons, but Kupp is now 32 years old. Kupp likes the “new, but exciting” vibes in Seattle, and assuming he stays healthy, him and Darnold could make for a good pair. However, seeing as Kupp has only played a full season twice in his career, he will need to prove he can stay healthy.
• Does Lawrence still have pass rush juice? Although Lawrence’s prime is behind him, he has proven he can be a solid pass-rusher throughout his career. He started in 34 consecutive games from 2022-23 and earned two Pro Bowls in the process. But, like Kupp, Lawrence is now in his early 30s and coming off a season where he only played in four games. The Seahawks clearly have confidence in his availability, which is why they gave him a three-year deal in his first NFL stint away from the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in 2014. It’s unknown at this point where Lawrence will fall in the roster. He could become a starter, as he has been for most of his career, or he may end up being more of a rotational piece. Lawrence’s resume has earned him the benefit of the doubt, but he will have to show his recent injury is behind him.

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Heavy.com

Commanders Have Reason to Worry About $45 Million Man, Javon Kinlaw

There are ample reasons why the Commanders have been slammed for signing Kinlaw. Reasons beyond the bloated contract.

Those reasons include the player surprisingly pledging to shed weight, despite bulk being his main selling point for this defense. A slimmed down Kinlaw will be a worry when the bigger version still struggled mightily against the run at times in 2024.

Like when six-time Super Bowl-winning former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick took Kinlaw to task. Belichick was appearing on the ManningCast for ESPN’s Monday Night Football, covering a matchup between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills in Week 6.

He told the Mannings (h/t Awful Announcing) “I think we need to have a little talk with that Jets’ front over there on the sideline… The first thing I’d do is tell (Javon) Kinlaw to play lower and not stand up. I mean, they walked him off the ball on that cutback run… I think I’d start with that.”

Poor technique had made Kinlaw vulnerable, but he also faced other challenges. Notably, a difficulty impacting plays run to the outside.

Those plays included outside-zone runs, something highlighted by Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS Media. Kinlaw (54) lacked lateral agility and was taken out of plays too often.

Plays like these signpost potential trouble for the Commanders regarding Kinlaw. He has the faith of general manager Adam Peters, who was part of the front office for the San Francisco 49ers when the NFC West outfit selected Kinlaw 14th overall in the 2020 NFL draft.

Peters is doubling down on his belief in Kinlaw. It’s a risk along a defensive front short on talent. If Kinlaw justifies Peters’ faith, the deal front-loaded with $30 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.com, will look like a bargain.

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Commanders Wire

Is Commanders’ Daron Payne one of the NFL’s top 10 defensive tackles?

ESPN recently ranked its top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL. Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants was No. 1, while Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter was ranked No. 3. Payne missed out on the top 10, but did land in the “also receiving votes” category.

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Last Word on Sports

“Number 1 On the List:” Justin Simmons Speaks On Preferred Team

Training camp is just days away, and safety Justin Simmons is still looking for a new team. After establishing himself as one of the league’s premier options at the position, Simmons joined the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 season. While he didn’t play up to his previous form, he still had a solid season with two interceptions, seven passes defended, 62 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss. In a recent interview, Simmons explained why he’s still looking for a team.

“I think Atlanta I would still pick 10 out of 10 times if I was in the spot last year,” Simmons said. “But in terms of where I’m at now, being a little bit more picky where we want to go and where we want to call home next…the next two years, a year, whatever it is…but a contender is No. 1 on the list right now.”

Now entering his age-32 season, it makes sense for Justin Simmons to prioritize a winning environment over the largest paycheck. Fortunately for the defensive back, several teams with realistic postseason aspirations could use his services.

Possible Fits

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders made it to the NFC Championship Game with a rookie Jayden Daniels and a first-year head coach in Dan Quinn. Now, the team has its eyes set on the Super Bowl, and Justin Simmons could add a much-needed boost to this secondary. Daniels can go blow-for-blow with any offense in the league, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a ballhawk like Simmons that can take away the deep ball.

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Podcasts & videos

Sophomore Slump or MVP? | 2025 Washington Commanders Season Preview

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NFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

The Evolution of Jalen Hurts: Part 1 – Learning When Not to Be a Hero

I’ve wanted to write this series for a while, so I’m excited! Everyone knows that Jalen Hurts has improved as a pro. I don’t think enough people realize that Hurts improvement is simply remarkable. Sadly, I think it’s not covered enough around the league because too many people in the media are afraid to admit that they were wrong about Hurts. I am not one of those analysts who doesn’t change their opinion when faced with new information.

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NFL.com

2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, Offense

RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. – New York Giants · Age 25

After rushing for 839 yards as a rookie, the fifth-round running back has an opportunity to surpass the 1,200-yard mark in an offense that features more efficient quarterback play with veteran leader Russell Wilson set to take over from Daniel Jones. The improved passing game will lead to more light boxes (six or fewer defenders) and wider lanes for the former college wide receiver to scoot through on off-tackle runs and designed cut-back plays. With Wilson also expected to target Tracy frequently on swing, screen and option routes in the pass game, the Giants’ unheralded RB1 could put up massive scrimmage yard totals as a multi-purpose threat from the backfield.

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NFL league links

Articles

Front Office Sports

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

All but two of the NFL’s second-round draft picks remain unsigned after the first pair taken received fully guaranteed contracts in May.

The unusual unsigned mass of second-rounders follows two unprecedented contracts. In May, the second pick of the second round, Jayden Higgins, signed a fully guaranteed deal with the Texans in an NFL first. The first pick of the second round, Carson Schwesinger, signed a fully guaranteed contract with the Browns the next day. Since then, none of the remaining second-round picks have signed, even with rookie report dates fastly approaching.

The second-rounders are vying for fully guaranteed deals, meaning teams will still owe them the entire contract even if they are released for talent, cap space, or injury. These types of deals are rare in the NFL and historically reserved for veterans and first-round draft picks.

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Front Office Sports

NFL Likely to Stay With CBS, Targeting Mass Renegotiation in 2029

The NFL holds a change-of-ownership option that could be triggered with the pending Skydance-Paramount merger. The league, however, appears more focused on other goals.

The NFL is not likely to exercise a change-of-ownership option to renegotiate or exit its media-rights deal with CBS Sports parent Paramount Global, league commissioner Roger Goodell said.

Speaking on CNBC at the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, Goodell instead said the more probable option is to stick with CBS Sports as Paramount seeks to close its proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. The deal is now in front of the Federal Communications Commission for approval.

“We’ve had a long relationship with CBS, for decades. We also have a relationship outside of that with Skydance. So I don’t anticipate that [an opt-out is] something that we’ll see. We have a two-year period to make that decision. I don’t see that happening, but we have that option.”

After another 90-day extension was implemented earlier this week, the Paramount-Skydance deal is now targeted for closing by Oct. 6.

The NFL’s likeliest path remains exercising a broader set of contract opt-outs in its domestic media rights, arriving in 2029 for all of its existing partners, and in 2030 for ESPN. Front Office Sports sources say the league opting out then is a virtual lock, particularly given that the NFL continues to extend its position as by far the most popular programming in U.S. television, regardless of genre.

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All aTwitter

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