Will the Washington Commanders keep or deal defensive tackle Jonathan Allen?
That’s one of the early stories of the NFL offseason after Allen indicated late last season — on more than one occasion — that he was tired of losing and didn’t want to go through another rebuild.
Since the season ended, the Commanders have hired Adam Peters as general manager and Dan Quinn as head coach. Since hearing the new regime out, Allen’s stance has changed. It’s important to note that Allen never requested a trade or said he wanted out, but he answered a question that he did think of what it could be like playing somewhere else.
“I’m excited, man,” Allen told JP Finlay at a media event earlier this month. “Mr. Peters and Coach Quinn, I think we’ve done a lot of great things; we’ve brought in a lot of winners, guys who’ve been to Super Bowls, guys who have been a part of winning Super Bowl organizations. I am excited.”
Allen, 29, has been one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles since entering the league in 2017. He has two years remaining on an extension he signed in 2021, but there is no guaranteed money left on his deal.
For his part, Quinn has mentioned how he’s excited to coach Allen and Daron Payne since taking the job. What does that mean? Nothing, because the new staff is still undergoing player evaluations before turning to free agency preparation.
Next week is the NFL combine, and that’s where many offseason rumors begin. Could an Allen trade be discussed next week?
Bleacher Report recently featured a story involving five trade packages to “create the next great defenses.” One of those trades had Allen going to the Green Bay Packers.
Here’s the trade and B/R’s logic:
Trade offer: Jonathan Allen for 2024 second-round pick (No. 41) and 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 168)
Are the Washington Commanders going to embrace an even larger teardown? And exactly how discontented is Jonathan Allen?
Those answers will shape the reality of this hypothetical.
Nevertheless, both questions are fair to ask. Washington dealt edge-rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young near the 2023 trade deadline, and Allen’s frustration hit a breaking point with an understandable midseason rant after an ugly loss to the hapless New York Giants. He recently said he doesn’t want to be part of another rebuild, either.
All of that context may lead to Washington dangling Allen in a trade, and the Green Bay Packers should quickly pick up the phone.
Despite the team’s surprise playoff bid, Green Bay’s defensive line lacked bite for much of 2023. Four different teams rushed for 200-plus yards on the Packers, which is just miserable.
Flipping a second-round pick for Allen—an immediate, unquestioned upgrade—would be a sensible move rather than hoping a Day 2 pick quickly pans out. Green Bay has quarterback Jordan Love in a low-cost contract and can open the needed cap space for Allen by moving on from oft-injured lineman David Bahktiari.
There are reasons for trading Allen. Another second-round pick would give Washington four picks in the top 41, allowing the Commanders to add plenty of young talent to both sides of the ball.
There are also reasons not to trade Allen. He’s still an excellent player and a valuable leader. The Commanders could have a quick turnaround under Quinn if they add — and retain — the right pieces.
If the Commanders moved on from Allen, they have a pair of third-year defensive tackles, Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway, who could battle for the right to start beside of Daron Payne. However, neither player is Allen.
This should be a fascinating offseason for Washington and its new leadership group.
