It was a memorable campaign for the Washington Commanders in 2024, securing 12 regular-season wins and reaching the NFC Championship game. That didn't stop veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen from wanting a new challenge.
General manager Adam Peters permitted the former first-round pick to seek a trade. Allen's representatives will now begin discussions with potential suitors to gauge interest around the league. After he's given everything to the Commanders on and off the field, it would be a surprise if the franchise didn't do right by the player.
This could be a win-win for all parties. It gives Allen a chance to establish himself elsewhere and embrace a different culture. For the Commanders, it might get them an extra draft pick and add more salary-cap space with savings of $16.47 million attached.
The compensation won't be spectacular. A mid-round pick will be enough to get the deal done. Teams will know Allen could be released if nobody comes forward with a legitimate offer, although Peters didn't rule out the prospect of keeping the two-time Pro Bowler heading into the final year of his deal.
It'll be interesting to see which teams throw their hat into the ring. With this in mind, here are five teams who should call the Commanders immediately about Allen.
Teams who should trade for Commanders DT Jonathan Allen immediately
Texans could trade for Jonathan Allen
The Houston Texans boast a standout defensive end tandem and their Super Bowl window is open in quarterback C.J. Stroud's final season before he becomes extension-eligble. But there are glaring holes across the depth chart for general manager Nick Caserio to solve before confidence in their aspirations increases.
Their defensive tackle spot needs upgrading with a proven performer who can help them win now. Jonathan Allen ticks those boxes, although his regression over the last two seasons will put off some teams when push comes to shove.
Allen showed during the Washington Commanders' divisional-round victory over the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions that he can still be influential. Putting this together consistently is the big challenge these days, but a fresh start could be exactly what the Alabama product needs to galvanize his career.
The Texans should be interested in Allen. There are a couple of problems — Houston only has five draft picks and a little less than $5 million in salary-cap space. It would take some maneuvering from Caserio, but slotting Allen next to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is a tempting proposition if the price is right.
Bears could trade for Jonathan Allen
Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles made their intentions clear for the Chicago Bears this offseason. They want to fortify the trenches on both sides of the football to keep pace with three quality rivals in the NFC North.
Building from the inside out is a recipe for success. The Bears' failings at the line of scrimmage were well-documented in 2024. They gave up a league-worst four sacks per game and 136.3 rushing yards per game. That's not going to suffice with the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers residing within their division.
The Washington Commanders and Bears are no strangers to trade negotiations. Defensive end Montez Sweat moved to Chicago at the 2023 trade deadline, earning Pro Bowl honors that year and a big-money deal along the way.
Reuniting Jonathan Allen with Sweat is an intriguing possibility to consider. The Bears have eight draft picks in 2025 and enough salary-cap space to absorb his contract. Much will depend on what they have planned for the offensive line, which should take priority above all else to ensure former No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has the protection needed to improve.
It's not going to take much to secure Allen's services from a compensation standpoint. This would also help defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's ability to hit the ground running.
Vikings could trade for Jonathan Allen
The Chicago Bears might not be the only NFC North team making a play for Jonathan Allen this offseason. One couldn't dismiss the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings also throwing their hat into the ring.
Minnesota achieved a significant amount despite falling at the first playoff hurdle. Nobody expected them to make waves in 2024, but Kevin O'Connell spearheaded a fantastic campaign that resulted in 14 regular-season wins and the NFL Coach of the Year award.
Brian Flores' defense played a significant role in Minnesota's success. But if there was one area where upgrades are needed, it's the 3-4 defensive end positions. That's where Allen comes in.
Allen's got experience in a 3-4 during his time in Washington. He represents an immediate upgrade on anything the Vikings have currently. Minnesota is also projected to have $63.33 million in available salary-cap space to take on his financial commitment in this scenario.
The Vikings aren't flush with draft assets right now. They have four selections currently, so those in power could decide to sacrifice one of their later picks for a proven performer rather than take their chances on a rough diamond from the college ranks.
If Allen stays healthy and returns to something like his old form, he'd be a major asset to Minnesota's chances of further progress.
Chargers could trade for Jonathan Allen
The Los Angeles Chargers could be among the frontrunners for Jonathan Allen upon further examination after the Washington Commanders granted his trade request.
Jim Harbaugh changed the culture quickly as expected. There was more professionalism and purpose across the Chargers in 2024. They reached the postseason following a late rally, which was a huge step in the right direction and something they can build upon moving forward.
Their defensive front needs an extra injection of veteran leadership. Harbaugh values this highly. Allen meets those requirements comfortably. The Chargers have 11 draft selections in 2025. Giving up one for a Pro Bowl-caliber performer seems feasible.
The Chargers also have plenty of salary-cap space to take on Allen's salary in the final year of his deal. This could increase further if Joey Bosa is released with a saving of $25.38 million attached.
This project is sure to entice Allen, too. The Chargers are on the up with Harbaugh leading the charge. They have a quarterback in place and some exciting pieces to build around. They are also desperate for defensive line reinforcements, so the dots connect themselves.
Commanders fans should watch the Chargers closely as a potential landing spot for Allen in the not-too-distant future.
Patriots could trade for Jonathan Allen
This is a wild card and wouldn't be the first team on Jonathan Allen's list of potential destinations. Even so, the New England Patriots might look to tempt the Commanders into a deal looking at their current predicament.
The Patriots were unsurprisingly one of the league's worst teams in 2024. However, things are looking up for the AFC East club following the high-profile appointment of Mike Vrabel as head coach.
Vrabel brings instant creditability to the project. He's a respected leader and revered around the league. The Patriots are also loaded with resources to speed up their rebuilding project this offseason.
New England has the league's most salary-cap space by a considerable margin at $128.07 million based on projections. They could acquire Allen's contract with minimal fuss if they identified him as a player of interest.
The Patriots also have nine draft selections at their disposal in 2025. They have their franchise quarterback in place after Drake Maye's encouraging growth throughout his rookie campaign. That gives Vrabel the freedom to strengthen other areas and find players capable of spearheading a culture shift within the organization.
Allen's high character and exceptional leadership would be a tremendous aid during this transition. But the veteran is probably looking for somewhere with a better chance to contend immediately.
