Commanders Free Agency: 1 Target From Chiefs & 49ers Before Super Bowl
The Washington Commanders have the same goal as 30 NFL teams do today as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs face off in Super Bowl LVIII.
That goal for the Commanders is to be one of the teams competing in the big game next year, replacing the 49ers who are representing the NFC.
Of course, San Francisco would rather hold on to its spot at the end of the season and will be looking to keep Washington from poaching some of its best talent as a means for doing so.
Here's one name from that 49ers squad, and one from the Chiefs, that the Commanders should have their free-agent eye on this evening during Super Bowl LVIII.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) rushes against Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (left) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS DT JAVON KINLAW
Kinlaw hasn't been the best first-round pick general manager John Lynch ever spent with San Francisco, but his latest season has shown there's still potential left to tap into for the 26-year-old as he's set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Plagued by injuries throughout his four NFL seasons Kinlaw played just 10 games in his second and third years before reaching double-digits again this season.
Even as he played 17 games Kinlaw started just six but still registered career-highs in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits.
His performance and health in 2023 show promise, but not so much that he's pricing himself out of consideration for a Washington franchise looking to invest heavier in the NFL Draft than in free agency.
Spotrac projects Kinlaw to demand $5.4 million per year on a new two-year deal.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WR MECOLE HARDMAN
Hardman became a solid member of the Kansas City football machine before leaving last offseason to join the New York Jets, a move that probably would've gone better had quarterback Aaron Rodgers not gotten hurt in Week 1.
He hasn't reached the same numbers he had in 2021 when he set career highs in yards receiving, catches, and received 83 targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the raw talent is still very evident when he does get involved in the Chiefs' game plan.
If Washington doesn't secure a new deal with receiver Curtis Samuel then Hardman brings a brand of stretch-the-field ability to help coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury challenge defenses consistently.
His ability as a return specialist only makes him more attractive as new special teams coordinator Larry Izzo looks to put the Commanders on top of the league in that department.
Hardman doesn't have a projection from Spotrac but his last contract worth up to $4 million for one season makes him an affordable and potentially explosive addition.
