Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is one of the team’s better players in recent memory, but the team could trade him before the start of the league year. A first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Alabama product was one of the few consistent pieces of the late 2010’s and early 2020’s and became one of the league’s more reliable interior defenders.
Unfortunately for Allen, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and the presence of Daron Payne and second-round pick have forced Allen into a depth role. Now with one year and $15 million remaining on his contract, all signs point towards a split between player and team.
The #Commanders have granted permission to Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen to seek a trade, per multiple reports. Allen is in the final year of his contract and none of the money is guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/nJ3tqesMWC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 25, 2025
REPORT: Washington Commanders Give Jonathan Allen Permission to Seek Trade
While the Commanders want to trade Jonathan Allen, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport heavily implied the team will release him if they can’t find a suitor. In a recent tweet, the league insider said that Washington “plans to do right by the player…either through trade or free agency.”
This is a nice way of saying Jonathan Allen will not be back in 2025 and Washington will try and build on their NFC Championship Game appearance without him. Allen is not the player he once was, but the two-time Pro Bowler is still an adequate starter in a league lacking premier talent at the defensive tackle position. Whether it’s through a trade or a release, the following three teams could go after the veteran.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to fix their run defense in the worst way. After building the offense at the expense of the defense last year, Carolina must now build a well-rounded team that can maximize the window of opportunity provided by Bryce Young’s rookie contract. The Panthers run defense was historically inept last year, ranking dead last in PFF grade and success rate allowed, and there was no close second. While Derrick Brown’s return will improve the unit, finding a second reliable defensive tackle like Jonathan Allen will only improve a front seven that desperately needs an infusion of talent.
Dallas Cowboys
The “selectively aggressive” Dallas Cowboys probably won’t trade for Jonathan Allen at his current price, and the Washington Commanders probably wouldn’t send him to a division rival. However, if Washington releases the veteran, this would be a perfect fit. The Cowboys could lose defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the open market, and they must find a cost-effective replacement. Allen will probably earn a decent paycheck in free agency, but he’ll come cheaper than the 26-year-old homegrown talent. With Micah Parsons due for a massive extension, Dallas must pinch all the pennies they can.
New Orleans Saints
Much like the Cowboys, the New Orleans Saints do not have the cap space to trade with the Washington Commanders for Jonathan Allen. However, they could sign him to a one-year deal in free agency and structure it to minimize his 2025 cap hit. First-round pick Bryan Bresee is a solid interior pass rusher, but the defensive tackle cannot play the run. While it’s not glamorous work, Allen can solidify the trenches while allowing Bresee to thrive in a more situational role.
Main Photo Courtesy of Peter Casey – Imagn Images
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