Optimism is rising around the Washington Commanders in 2024 after a flurry of improvements. That doesn't mean the stakes aren't high for everyone on the playing staff when competitive action begins.
New general manager Adam Peters' ruthless roster building throughout his debut offseason as the team's front-office leader means everyone should be on red alert. Nobody is going to get an easy ride under the improved regime. Anyone not pulling their weight will be shown the door.
That's the right way of doing football business at long last. Jonathan Allen was under the microscope more than most this offseason. After becoming reinvigorated by the new coaching staff's approach, he should play an integral role during the 2024 campaign once trade rumors across the media faded into the rearview mirror.
For now, at least.
Commanders will be monitoring Jonathan Allen's performance levels closely in 2024
This was a topic discussed by Adam Rank of NFL.com. The analyst highlighted how much the formidable defensive tackle has at stake. He'll either cement his long-term status or potentially become a trade piece for Peters in pursuit of acquiring more draft capital in 2025. There doesn't seem to be much in between.
The Commanders allowed the most points per game (30.5), total yards per game (388.9) and passing yards per game (262.2) in the NFL in 2023. So [Dan] Quinn and coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have a lot of work to do with a defense that lost Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline last year. Yes, the Commanders added up front, signing Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr. and Clelin Ferrell and drafting Jer'Zhan Newton in Round 2. But the 29-year-old [Jonathan] Allen is the only player on the roster who had at least five sacks for the team in 2023. He's either going to be the anchor of the defensive line -- or he's going to be another trade piece for a team still in rebuilding mode. The two-time Pro Bowler, who's racked up 22 sacks over the past three seasons, could fetch some intriguing draft capital.Adam Rank, NFL.com
Allen is one of the legitimate alphas within the Commanders' locker room. He became disengaged and unmotivated during Ron Rivera's final season at the helm. That's not the case anymore, so the potential for a bounce-back year is high.
The former first-round pick out of Alabama has no guaranteed money left on his deal, which expires in 2026. Allen's status this season is undisputed. What comes after that is less certain.
Anything less than dominant production alongside Daron Payne won't be well received. The Commanders drafted Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall as an insurance policy in case Allen's regression last season was the start of a concerning trend. Let's hope that's not the scenario that comes to fruition.
If the Commanders want to make strides next season, they need their top guys firing on all cylinders. Allen is counted upon more than almost anyone on the defensive side of the football. He must deliver on the field and keep everyone in the locker room motivated. That's the primary target above all else.
Allen is experienced enough to know what comes next if things don't go according to plan. His task will be to ensure his stay in Washington goes beyond the upcoming campaign.
