Since the Washington Commanders selected the Alabama product in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jonathan Allen has been one of their greatest players.
Allen, 29, made two Pro Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022 before having a dismal 2023 season. This corresponded with Adam Peters eventually taking over as Washington’s general manager and defensive-minded Dan Quinn being the team’s next head coach.
This has fueled suspicion that the Commanders may trade the standout defensive lineman rather than sign him to a costly long-term contract.
When Washington selected fellow defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, suspicions circulated that Allen might not last long in Maryland.
He presently has a four-year, $72 million contract that extends until the 2025 season. With teammate Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne making $22.5 million per year on his contract, the NFL pay cap becomes an issue.
Jonathan Allen stats include 111 quarterback hits, 57 tackles for loss, and 39.0 sacks.
As you can see, Allen has been extremely productive throughout his seven-year tenure with the Commanders. Executives from other clubs are openly speculating whether Washington will bite the bullet and move him.
“The people I’ve talked to believe Washington will need to either rework his contract eventually or decide whether it will entertain trade interest, which it has rebuffed in the past,” according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Ideal Jonathan Allen trade scenarios from the Washington Commanders.
Jonathan Allen, Washington CommandersCredit: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports.
Buffalo Bills: General manager Brandon Beane and his staff planned to find a running partner for Ed Oliver in the Bills’ 4-3 defense. It’s comparable to what Quinn intends to run in Washington. This would provide the Bills with another pass-rush option on the defensive front, masking potential weaknesses in the secondary following a huge exodus earlier this offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs: The two-time defending Super Bowl champions are constantly seeking for ways to improve. Brett Veach, general manager, is one of the most active traders. Why not find out what it would take to obtain Allen? He’d link up with Chris Jones to form one of the NFL’s top defensive tackle combinations.
Las Vegas Raiders: It makes perfect sense for Vegas to inquire about Jonathan Allen’s availability. During the NFL free agency period, the team signed fellow defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Consider a front four consisting of Wilkins and Allen on the interior, with Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson on the outside. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham must be salivating at this prospect.
