Jonathan Allen's pending departure from the Washington Commanders is going to save the franchise $16.47 million against their salary cap in 2025. This gives Adam Peters even more flexibility heading into a critical offseason.
There was a need to bolster the defensive trenches even before this latest development regarding Allen. The former Alabama standout and Daron Payne haven't been at their best over the last two seasons. Removing one seemed inevitable. How the Commanders go about replacing him is the big conundrum.
And looking at the free-agent options set to hit the market, the Commanders' primary target is obvious.
Commanders should target Osa Odighizuwa to replace Jonathan Allen
Osa Odighizuwa is no stranger to head coach Dan Quinn. They spent a lot of time working together on the Dallas Cowboys and developed a close bond. The former UCLA standout is one of the league's best at generating pressure from the interior. This was an area the Commanders lacked last season, especially against the elite offensive lines around the NFL.
Odighizuwa is coming off a breakout year in Dallas, which is only going to add additional dollars to his contract demands. The Commanders have expendable resources with their Super Bowl window open. Spending lavish sums on another veteran lineman is risky, but the rewards could be substantial.
Whether the Cowboys let things get that far is anyone's guess. Stephen Jones recently revealed that talks are ongoing with Odighizuwa's representatives regarding an extension. Dallas is up against it financially, so they might not be willing to pay what could end up being around $20 million per season to keep him around.
With Allen on his way out of the door, the Commanders will examine every possible option available. Someone like Milton Williams should be considered — something that would also weaken Washington's bitter division rival and Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. This is also a deep class for defensive linemen, which Peters is in the process of examining a the NFL Scouting Combine.
Odighizuwa's familiarity with the coaching staff and the fact he's only just entering his prime looks like a no-brainer move. Leaving one NFC East club for another normally comes with vitriol. However, it's something several coaches and players did once Quinn got the head coaching gig in Washington.
Allen's imminent departure means the Commanders are also losing a huge character in the locker room. While his on-field performances were on the slide, his influence as a leader remained strong. These are big shoes to fill, but Odighizuwa is the sort of personality people naturally gravitate towards.
Acquiring Odighizuwa wouldn't be cheap, especially if he hits the market and a bidding war begins for his services. For the first time in decades, the Commanders are going to be a coveted destination for free agents. Couple this with the familiarity factor, and this seems like a win-win for all involved.
That should stop the Commanders from adding another defensive lineman via the draft. Even so, given the need to win now and maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract, something bolder cannot be completely ruled out.
Allen wants a fresh challenge and the Commanders are happy to let him see what's out there. But make no mistake, they are already working to find his replacement.
And they could do far worse than Odighizuwa that's for sure.
