One of the mainstays on Washington's defensive line appears to be headed elsewhere in 2025.
The Commanders have had trade conversations surrounding defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and the club is planning to help the two-time Pro Bowler find an ideal landing spot by granting him permission to seek a trade, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday.
Entering the final year of his contract in 2025, Allen is due $15.5 million this season but that base salary is not guaranteed, Rapoport and Pelissero added.
General manager Adam Peters told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that Washington wanted to give Allen a chance to explore other opportunities.
"He's going into the last year of his deal," Peters said of Allen. "We wanted to give him and his representation and we talked about it. We wanted to give him a chance to explore other opportunities. So, we'll let them do that."
Allen has been a key fixture for Washington's defense for nearly a decade. The former first-round pick and Virginia native has generated 42.0 sacks, 118 QB hits and 60 tackles for loss the past eight seasons from the interior defensive line. Alongside Daron Payne, another first-rounder out of Alabama, the pairing has been the pulse behind Washington's most consistent strength the last few years.
Allen, 30, is coming off an injury-riddled season which limited him to eight games due to a torn pectoral muscle. The veteran managed to rejoin the Commanders late in 2024 to help claim a postseason berth and rode a playoff wave that reached the NFC Championship Game.
The Commanders have seemingly prepared for Allen's absence. Payne was locked in ahead of the 2023 season with a four-year, $90 million deal and Washington selected standout DT Jer'Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 draft.
For a team looking for an impact leader along the defensive trenches, Allen fits the bill. Should a trade fail to materialize, Allen could be released in an effort to reduce Washington's cap number.
Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 NFL Free Agents of 2025 list might soon get a new high-ranking member should Allen hit the market.
