Former South Carolina Gamecock stars Javon Kinlaw and Ernest Jones have secured big contracts in the NFL, marking notable milestones in their professional careers.
Javon Kinlaw Joins the Washington Commanders
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Washington Commanders, placing him among the top 20 highest-paid players in terms of total value and annual salary. Kinlaw spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and will transition to Washington after one season with the New York Jets, who allowed him to enter free agency. Hs most productive seasons of his professional career so far were in 2023 and 2024, during which he accumulated eight sacks.
Kinlaw will be reuniting with another former Gamecock, Deebo Samuel, who he played with for the 2017 and 2018 seasons with South Carolina, as later with the 49ers. San Francisco traded Samuel to Washington earlier this month.
Ernest Jones Re-Signs with the Seattle Seahawks
Linebacker Ernest Jones has secured a three-year $33 million contract to re-sign with the Seattle Seahawks. Jones played a crucial role with the Seahawks defense after being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline. His contract includes a $15 million guarantee.
Jones has recorded nearly 100 tackles in just ten games for the season last year, improving the team's defensive standings, helping to push the Seahawks to win six out of the last eight games in 2024.
Both Javon Kinlaw and Ernest Jones have deep ties back to South Carolina football, where they were both standout players for the Gamecocks before heading to the NFL. Their recent contracts in their pro career reflect on their talent as Gamecocks in the NFL.
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