Back in 2020, the 49ers hoped Javon Kinlaw would seamlessly replace DeForest Buckner after the controversial decision to trade the Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Colts.

Fast forward to the start of Kinlaw's fourth year in the league, and he has started just 22 games and recorded 1.5 sacks in his career. His hopes of beginning the season as a starter have evaporated.

Rightly concerned by the lack of an interior pass rush last season, the Niners signed Javon Hargrave to a blockbuster deal to partner Arik Armstead up the middle, leaving Kinlaw heading into training camp tasked with proving he can add value in any capacity.

The signs last year when he was not dealing with a lingering knee injury that ended a once promising rookie season and has derailed any hopes of progress since were not encouraging. 

Kinlaw displayed some intriguing pass-rush prowess as a rookie but, his explosiveness perhaps limited by multiple knee surgeries, that was largely lacking when he was available last season.

There was hope he could at least use his substantial frame to excel in run defense and essentially serve as a de-facto nose tackle. Kinlaw has consistently shown he is capable of holding ground against double teams, but the ease with which he was blown off the ball by the Eagles' offensive line in the NFC Championship Game raised doubts about his abilities in that area.

San Francisco has other options behind Hargrave and Armstead on the interior. Kerry Hyder Jr. is listed as a defensive end but played predominantly inside last season and remained a dependable veteran presence. 

Kevin Givens and T.Y. McGill both had higher Pro Football Focus run stop rates than Kinlaw last season and demonstrated more pass-rush upside, while the 49ers may look to use defensive end Clelin Ferrell inside frequently after he showed some promise in that spot for the Raiders.

With last year's sixth-round pick Kalia Davis and former Falcons second-round selection Marlon Davidson also vying for roster spots, Kinlaw has little room for a poor camp.

The 49ers declined Kinlaw's fifth-year option, indicating they would have little problem moving on from him if he does not impress in camp and preseason.

Kinlaw is likely entering his final season as a 49er. Right now, the likes of Givens, Davis and McGill have a much better chance of being with the team long term. To change that, Kinlaw needs to prove he is healthy and that he can have a positive impact on the defense, either as a space eater against the run or an improved pass rusher.

The 49ers would ideally like him to make an impression in both areas, but at this point they'll take whatever they can get out of a thoroughly depreciated asset. For Kinlaw to save his Niners career, it really is now or never.

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