Speculation around Jonathan Allen's future has been rife throughout the offseason. A recent development report all but confirmed the veteran defensive tackle and the Washington Commanders will go their separate ways.
Allen has one more year and no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. The inspirational locker room leadership remained high, but the player's performance levels regressed considerably aside from a few flashes. It seems general manager Adam Peters is looking to go in a different direction.
Commanders give Jonathan Allen permission to seek a trade
According to multiple reports, the Commanders have permitted Allen to seek a trade. The former first-round selection's representatives will now examine potential destinations around the league before negotiations begin with Washington regarding compensation.
This is a jaw-dropping development that took the fanbase by surprise shortly before Peters was due to speak at the NFL Scouting Combine. But in all honesty, it's not that surprising.
Allen's powers are on the wane. He dealt with injury issues last season and lost some of the explosiveness that made him a two-time Pro Bowler. There are also financial ramifications attached to his pending departure.
Cutting or trading Allen this offseason comes with $16.47 million in savings and $6 million in dead money. It removes a productive piece from the defensive line, but there's also a need to bolster the trenches after watching both sides of the football get overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Allen's been through significant hardship since being drafted by the Commanders. He became increasingly disillusioned last season, hinting that a move away could be in his immediate future. The introduction of Dan Quinn's coaching regime gave him a new lease of life, but the production was nowhere near consistent enough.
Some fans and analysts were expecting the Commanders to restructure his contract and let things play out. Peters had other ideas, which suggests Washington is going to be aggressive in pursuit of finding another difference-maker to go with Johnny Newton and Daron Payne on the interior.
Peters is a ruthless roster builder. He strikes with conviction and keeps emotion out of his thought process. Allen was a cornerstone piece under previous regimes. Now, he's surplus to requirements.
Whether Allen can find a willing suitor is anyone's guess. The Commanders will do right by the player after everything he's given to the cause. Teams will also be aware that he could be released if no trade offer arrives. That will be cheaper than taking on his salary for the 2025 season.
If Allen takes his chances elsewhere, it'll be a disappointing end to a once-promising career in Washington. But considering the Commanders are right on the cusp of something special, they cannot afford any passengers.
Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see what comes next. However, all signs point to an imminent breakup in some capacity.
