Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is one of the most popular trade candidates out there. A two-time Pro Bowler, the former first-round pick was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise terrible Commanders defense. Starting and appearing in 16 games, the Alabama product finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 53 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles-for-loss while finishing with a 77.6 PFF pass rush grade.
Jonathan Allen can still play at a high level, but Washington could trade the veteran. With first-year head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels taking over the team, the Commanders are embracing a rebuild. After spending big on guys like Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, Washington might not have any more use for Allen as he enters his age-29 season. If the Commanders decide to part ways with him, Kyle Crabbs of the Locked on Dolphins podcast believes Miami could pull off a “diabolical” trade.
I don’t know if this is a legitimate rumor or not but if it is, I will be cackling for several days over it. https://t.co/CHr24LletJ pic.twitter.com/jBGI9Z9Fyi
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) May 16, 2024
Jonathan Allen Connected to Miami Dolphins In “Diabolical” Trade Rumors
Christian Wilkins is better than Jonathan Allen, but this trade would probably make the Dolphins better when factoring in all the saved money. After going all-in on the final years of Tua Tagovailoa’s rookie contract, Miami started pinching pennies this offseason. The team watched Wilkins and star guard Robert Hunt depart in free agency while simultaneously releasing cornerback Xavien Howard in a cost-cutting move. Tagovailoa still needs to get paid and could receive upwards of $50 million per year, so Miami should save every penny it can.
Of course, if Jonathan Allen is on the trade block, Miami won’t be the only team interested in acquiring him. Defensive tackles that can collapse the quarterback are a hot commodity in today’s pass-heavy NFL, so several organizations should be willing to overlook Allen’s subpar play in the run game. While he won’t fetch a first-round pick, these five franchises could make a move for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Other Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald is arguably the greatest defensive player of his time, and no human being can replicate his impact on the game. With that being said, the Rams defense is built around a strong interior pass rush. Kobie Turner looked like a future star during his rookie season, and pairing him with Jonathan Allen in a trade should allow the Rams to keep running their defense with minimal scheme changes. Neither player is anywhere close to being what Donald was at his peak, but these two can form one of the league’s better defensive tackle duos.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to win games the old-fashioned way: with the running game and a tough, physical defense. The edge defender trio of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu has game-breaking potential, but they could use more help at defensive tackle. Jonathan Allen would immediately shore up the interior of the Chargers defensive line, and a trade should create one of the best all-around pass rushes in the game.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have the offense to win a championship but could use more help on defense. While they addressed cornerback in the NFL Draft and edge defender in free agency, they could still use a formidable presence at the center of their defensive line. Jonathan Allen can provide that dominant force, and pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson in a trade could be the difference between hoisting a Lombardi and watching the big game on the couch.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints will need to get financially creative to make a Jonathan Allen trade work, but this team is the best in the league at manipulating the salary cap. Bryan Breese showed some promise as a rookie, but the former first-round pick could use some more support along the defensive line. New Orleans lacks the offensive firepower to win shootouts, so they should build their defense to be as strong as possible. While it might not be enough to win it all, a strong defense could lead this team to an NFC South crown.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Jordan Love is one of the better starters in the game and had this team one drive away from taking down the eventual NFC Champions. The Packers have the talent to go on a deep playoff run, and they can improve their chances of winning it all with a Jonathan Allen trade. Losing Joe Barry is addition by subtraction, but this team still needs better players on the roster. Allen can provide a much-needed boost on the defensive interior to counter the talent of Detroit’s star-studded offensive line.
