South Carolina football former player signs major NFL free agent deal

Breaking news, former South Carolina football standout Javon Kinlaw has officially agreed to a major free-agent deal with the Washington Commanders. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Kinlaw’s new contract is worth a whopping $45 million over three years. This deal propels Kinlaw into the top-20 highest-paid defensive tackles in the league, both in total contract value and annual earnings.

Kinlaw’s journey to Washington comes after a brief, one-season stint with the New York Jets. The Jets, opting not to re-sign him, let him hit free agency. Prior to his time in New York, Kinlaw spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Now with the Commanders, Kinlaw will reunite with former South Carolina Gamecocks teammate Deebo Samuel. The two played together in college during the 2017 and 2018 seasons before Samuel was traded to Washington earlier this month. The reunion in Washington adds an exciting layer to the Commanders’ defensive lineup.

Though Kinlaw’s career has been hindered by injuries, he’s shown glimpses of his immense potential when healthy. The Commanders are clearly optimistic about his ability to return to form. His healthiest and most productive seasons were in 2023 and 2024, where he racked up eight sacks combined, proving to be a disruptive force on the interior defensive line for both San Francisco and New York.

Kinlaw’s path to the NFL was solidified during his time at South Carolina, where he earned All-American and All-SEC honors. While his college stats may not have been flashy, they don’t tell the full story. Opposing teams often schemed away from him, recognizing him as one of the most dominant defensive tackles in Gamecock history. His stellar play led to his selection as a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, marking a historic moment as no other defensive tackle from USC had been drafted that high before.

A major move for Javon Kinlaw, and certainly one to watch as he looks to make his mark with the Washington Commanders.

More news….

Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

“They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.