The Washington Commanders made some tough choices throughout Adam Peters' second offseason at the helm. Releasing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was one of them.
Allen's production no longer matched his financial commitment. The two-time Pro Bowler recognized the end might be near in Washington, handing in a trade request that was granted by Peters. When no willing suitor came forward, the Commanders did the former Alabama star a favor by releasing him shortly before the legal tampering window opened.
The Commanders saved more than $16 million against their 2025 salary cap by removing Allen from the equation. This was done with the class now associated with the new regime. It also gave him a head start to find a new challenge, which turned out to be the Minnesota Vikings.
This was an ideal landing spot for Allen if he's got more to give. The Vikings are a potential challenger with one of the best defensive coordinators around. He's excited by the project and grateful to the Commanders for giving him the right respect on his way out of the door.
One NFL analyst believes the Commanders could miss Allen more than they think. Ryan Phillips from Sports Illustrated named the Stone Bridge High School product as the departure that will have the biggest impact on Washington's hopes in 2025. However, he acknowledged the lineman's production has been on the slide over the last couple of seasons.
A two-time Pro Bowler, [Jonathan] Allen found a big contract when the Vikings handed him $51 million over three years this offseason. The 30-year-old only played in eight games during the 2024 campaign as a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him. Allen has fallen off a bit since his most recent Pro Bowl season in 2022 but is still a formidable presence up front.Ryan Phillips
The Commanders moved swiftly to compensate for Allen's release. Peters caused a stir by giving free-agent defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. This was widely perceived as a huge overpay, but the front-office leader has supreme faith that the South Carolina graduate can finally start making more out of his physical tools.
Allen's loss will be more felt in the locker room than on the field. He was an inspirational leader — someone others looked to for guidance and motivation through the good times and bad. Others need to step up and fill this void, so it'll be interesting to watch who takes over the mantle when offseason workouts get here.
The relationship between Allen and the Commanders ran its course. Every player has an expiry date. That's all part of the NFL's cutthroat nature. What's important for Washington is making sure the new defensive line interior dynamic is ready to hit the ground running.
As for Allen? He'll be eager to impress in new surroundings. There's familiarity with head coach Kevin O'Connell, which should help smooth his transition. The Vikings also have plenty of talent on both sides of the football. Winning 14 games last season is proof positive of that.
The Commanders moved in a different direction, and they were right to do so. Allen landed in the best possible fit on an ambitious team with legitimate playoff hopes.
It's a win-win for everybody.
