The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line has been a major concern, and with Cam Heyward getting older, the future of the unit has become a topic of discussion. The Steelers are particularly excited about Keeanu Benton, a young defensive lineman who has been making significant strides and establishing himself as a key piece in Pittsburgh. However, while Benton continues to develop, the team still has questions to address. Larry Ogunjobi remains a fixture on the defensive line, but he has struggled to meet expectations, leaving room for improvement. Many assume he has played his last snap in the Steel City.
Much of the Steelers’ offseason focus has been on their wide receiver and quarterback rooms—and rightfully so—but the defensive line has also shown signs that it could use reinforcements. That became evident during Pittsburgh’s brutal finish to the 2024 season, where several weaknesses were exposed. With ample cap space and financial flexibility heading into free agency, many fans have speculated about how the Steelers will allocate their resources to improve the roster.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Washington Commanders have engaged in trade discussions regarding defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. This development is particularly intriguing for the Steelers, who could explore a trade to bring the veteran to the Steel City and bolster their defensive front. NFL analyst Chad Forbes added fuel to the speculation, taking to social media on Wednesday to suggest that Pittsburgh could be a potential landing spot for Allen.
Allen would be an ideal fit for the Steelers, giving them another dominant force alongside Heyward and Benton. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the NFL, and pairing him with Pittsburgh’s already above average front seven would make their defense even more formidable. Allen is also a perfect scheme fit, thriving in a system that values power, versatility, and interior pass rush—exactly what the Steelers emphasize in their defensive line.
Trading for Allen now would give Pittsburgh a crucial advantage: an exclusive window to negotiate a new contract before the season starts. With his current deal offering no guaranteed money beyond September, Allen's leverage would diminish as time passes and teams spend their remaining cap space. The Steelers, known for their strong defensive identity, could capitalize on this rare opportunity to lock down a top-tier talent without competing against the open market.
From a value standpoint, acquiring Allen for just a seventh-round pick swap would be a no-brainer. Washington appears to be heading towards moving on from the veteran. If that's the case they have said they will "do right by him" via trade. It would make sense that Allen would want to team up with Heyward in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Could Elevate Their Defensive Line With Jonathan Allen
For Washington, moving Allen would clear significant cap space while providing flexibility for the future. For Pittsburgh, the cost could be minimal, and they’d be adding a proven difference-maker without jeopardizing their long-term assets.
In 2024, Allen only started seven games and played in eight. He finished the season with three sacks, three tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits. He wasn't at his best in 2024, but the 30 year old still should have some great football left in him.
Allen's arrival would instantly elevate the Steelers’ defensive line into one of the league’s most dominant units. With TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith wreaking havoc off the edges, and Allen bolstering the interior, Pittsburgh’s pass rush would be relentless. It will be interesting to see if General Manager Omar Khan takes Forbes' advice and swaps a seventh with the Commanders for Allen.
