The Washington Commanders have reportedly allowed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl player, to explore options for a trade, according to an individual familiar with the matter. This information comes under the condition of anonymity, as the team has yet to make any official announcements.
Allen is entering the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract extension he signed in 2021. Without any guaranteed money left on the table for the 30-year-old veteran, he stands as a potential candidate for release this spring, unless an agreement is reached to lower his 2025 salary cap impact, which exceeds $22 million.
Having been part of the team since being picked in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft from Alabama, Allen is the Commanders’ second-longest-serving player. He faced a setback last season with a torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him for half of the season. However, he made a comeback for the team’s last four matches, including the playoffs, where the Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship Game but fell to the eventual Super Bowl winners, Philadelphia.
General Manager Adam Peters is anticipated to address the media later today during the NFL scouting combine taking place in Indianapolis. The team currently holds the third-highest salary cap space in the league at approximately $80 million, which could increase if Allen is traded.
Since his NFL career began eight years ago, Allen has played 108 games for Washington, amassing 401 tackles and 42 sacks. This sack total places him fifth in franchise history since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
