The Washington Commanders have allowed Jonathan Allen, a celebrated defensive tackle who has appeared in the Pro Bowl twice, to explore trade options.
This development was confirmed by General Manager Adam Peters during a news conference on Tuesday held at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Peters explained the decision was made to enable Allen and his agent Blake Baratz to determine the most advantageous path forward for his career.
“We just talked about it and agreed they should have the chance to explore other opportunities,” Peters communicated to reporters. “We maintain daily contact with them.”
As Allen enters the final year of a four-year, $72 million extension signed in 2021, he finds himself without any guaranteed money forthcoming. This financial scenario positions the 30-year-old veteran as a potential candidate for release this spring if a contract extension isn’t arranged to lessen his salary cap impact of more than $22 million for 2025.
“Every option is still open, whether it involves a trade or Allen remaining with us,” Peters remarked. “We’re in the early stages of this process. We haven’t fully explored all possibilities yet, but that’s where we stand.”
Allen, who has been with the organization since being drafted in the first round in 2017 from Alabama, stands as the second-longest-tenured player for the Commanders. Despite missing half of the last season due to a pectoral muscle injury, he made a comeback for Washington’s final four games, including the playoffs. The team advanced to the NFC championship game but was ultimately defeated by the Philadelphia team, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
With Peters having the third-largest cap space in the league available—estimated to be around $80 million—releasing Allen would provide even more flexibility in their budget management.
Since his debut eight years ago, Allen has made significant contributions to the team, having participated in 108 games, amassing 401 tackles and achieving 42 sacks. These contributions place him fifth in the franchise’s history for sack totals since it became an official statistic in 1982.
Allen Receives Trade Permission from Commanders
