Jonathan Allen has been a mainstay throughout the bad times and, most recently, what became an unforgettable 2024 season for the Washington Commanders. That does not detract from the uncertain future facing the defensive tackle this offseason.
Allen worked exceptionally hard to return from a torn pectoral suffered in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. His performance in Washington's divisional-round triumph at the Detroit Lions was outstanding. Unfortunately, the former first-round pick couldn't reach the same consistency levels as the Commanders lost their NFC Championship clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nobody disputes Allen's commitment to the cause. Frustrations threatened to boil over under the previous regime, but he always wanted what was best for the organization. Once head coach Dan Quinn and his staff injected life into the locker room, the interior force quickly rejuvenated his attitude and overall demeanor.
Adam Peters is expected to make big changes once again. The general manager won't be getting complacent with the urgency to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. He also needs to examine upgrades in the trenches to hang with the league's heavyweights long-term.
Commanders face a difficult decision with Jonathan Allen this offseason
The Commanders will find it difficult to get off Daron Payne's contract. He is younger and boasts arguably more upside than Allen. Johnny Newton should progress after flashing promise as a rookie. That leaves the former first-round pick firmly under the microscope.
Allen has one more year and no guaranteed money left on his deal. He's set to count $22.47 million against the salary cap — the third-highest figure on the team currently. What Peters must figure out is whether the production justifies the financial commitment.
The Alabama product hasn't performed well overall over the last two years. Allen's powers are on the wane, so this situation could go either way. But make no mistake, Peters won't hesitate to remove him from the equation if he believes a better option can be acquired via free agency or the draft.
Allen is professional enough to take everything in his stride. He knows this is a business when push comes to shove. Even so, the $17 million in savings attached compared to $6 million in dead money is a tempting proposition.
There could be a market for Allen if the Commanders become receptive to trade offers. It might not be a robust one, but something is better than nothing for a player who could be deemed surplus to requirements depending on what reinforcements come on board.
Peters is running the football operation with a business-first mindset with the long-term in mind. Nothing should be off the table right now. If he decides Allen's done enough to see out his contract, there needs to be a level of trust attached.
If the decision is to move forward without Allen, that's fine too.
Allen gave his all to the cause. His leadership and commitment guided the locker room through some difficult times. He's a two-time Pro Bowler who was widely regarded among the league's most prolific interior forces at the peak of his powers. However, it seems like those days are long gone.
Handling this situation with tact would be prudent. There are plenty of tricky decisions upcoming for Peters. Allen's future is right at the top.
