Jonathan Allen's time with the Washington Commanders is over. And there's one team above all else that stands out as his next landing spot.
After failing to find a trade partner for the former first-round pick, general manager Adam Peters did right by the player. He released the formidable defensive tackle to give him every chance of finding a new home before the legal tampering window opens.
This was always going to be the likely outcome.
The Commanders and Allen agreed a parting of ways was the best outcome after the former first-round pick's trade request. He's been an incredible servant to Washington over the years. Things might have fizzled out through injury and performance regression, but that's all part of the business.
Vikings could make bold Jonathan Allen bid after Commanders exit
Teams knew the Commanders were probably going to release Allen. They tried to include the former first-round pick in the Deebo Samuel Sr. trade to no avail. Others inquired but opted to bide their time. Now, the Alabama product is set to generate significant interest on the open market.
Several suitors could make a bold bid for Allen. The Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers are possibilities. But keep an eye on the Minnesota Vikings as the most likely destination for the two-time Pro Bowler.
The Vikings were rumored to be interested in trading for Allen last offseason. Nothing materialized once Dan Quinn and his coaching staff came into the fold. Minnesota put together a sensational campaign en route to 14 wins and a playoff appearance, but more is needed to keep pace in an incredibly tough NFC North division.
Adding Allen to their 3-4 defensive front gives them a huge boost. Brian Flores' defense performed well above expectations last season overall. If there is one weakness, it's on their front. Bringing in an accomplished performer and a dynamic weapon via the college ranks should be high on Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's list of priorities.
There is plenty of uncertainty around the Vikings heading into the offseason. They are likely moving on from quarterback Sam Darnold in favor of J.J. McCarthy — the first-round pick who missed his entire rookie season through injury. That makes it more essential for Minnesota's defense to produce the goods. Allen might be a little past the peak of his power, but he represents an immediate upgrade on any defensive lineman they have right now.
As for the Commanders? They gained $16.47 million in salary-cap space to spend elsewhere. Daron Payne and Johnny Newton will form Washington's new defensive tackle starting tandem, although one couldn't dismiss the prospect of another prolific weapon coming into the fold through free agency or the draft.
Fans are more interested in the edge, with speculation rising about Peters potentially trading for someone like Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson. Whether the Commanders pull this off remains to be seen, but the front-office leader knows what he's doing.
Those plans won't include Allen. He'll always have a special place in the hearts of fans after everything he gave the franchise. But this was the best solution for both sides.
