Jonathan Allen becomes latest reason Steelers should dump Larry Ogunjobi

With the free agency negotiation period on the horizon, teams are dumping veteran contracts to clear salary cap space. In addition to the names we already expected to be available, more are being added in the days leading up to free agency. The latest release becomes another reason in a long line of why the Pittsburgh Steelers should move on from Larry Ogunjobi.

On Friday, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Washington Commanders have informed Jonathan Allen that he is being released. Allen, the former 17th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, was a two-time Pro Bowl interior defensive lineman.

After playing his first eight seasons in Washington, the decorated defensive lineman will be looking for a new home in 2025, and the Steelers could pick up the phone.

Pittsburgh Steelers could swap Larry Ogunjobi for free agent Jonathan Allen

With Allen on the market, the Pittsburgh Steelers have more reason than ever to cut Larry Ogunjobi loose. Pittsburgh signed Ogunjobi to a one-year contract in 2022 before giving him a lofty three-year, $28.75 million deal during the 2023 offseason, per Over the Cap. This was a desperation move as the Steelers were running out of defensive tackle options to add to their roster.

Unfortunately, Ogunjobi hasn't come close to living up to his lofty price tag. After costing the Steelers $13.28 million against the cap in 2024, what did Ogunjobi have to show for it? The veteran defensive tackle chipped in one-and-a-half sacks and five tackles for a loss in 15 games while routinely getting washed out of the play against the run.

Now Ogunjobi is scheduled to have a cap number of $10.53 million in 2025, and the Steelers could save $7 million by throwing him back on the pile.

Jonathan Allen's release is just another reason why Ogunjobi should be gone.

Allen is coming off arguably his worst NFL season, which included injuries. Still, in just eight games, Allen recorded three sacks, and he's only three years removed from back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances. Now 30 years old, it's unreasonable to believe Allen will return to Pro Bowl form. Though he also struggled against the run last year, his resume and pass-rush chops are guaranteed to make him a better option than Ogunjobi.

With Allen now hitting a crowded free agent pool, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have no shortage of defensive linemen to pick from. This group already included players like Milton Williams, Javon Hargrave, Dre'Mont Jones, D.J. Jones, Javon Kinlaw, and Levi Onwuzurike. Now Allen's presence could make it easier for Pittsburgh to come away with a proven defensive tackle in free agency.

The plan could be to sign one early and make sure they have their bases covered before releasing Larry Ogunjobi this offseason.