A lot has changed within the Washington Commanders organization over the past few years — so much so that even the team name itself has changed multiple times over the past several seasons. Throughout all that change, one thing that has remained constant is the presence of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Allen has been a stalwart presence on the inside of Washington’s defensive line since arriving in 2017. Allen has been an important contributor to the team, stacking up double-digit tackles for loss the past three seasons and making two Pro Bowls over the last three seasons. He’s also given the team a legitimate pass-rush threat on the inside of the defensive line, with 39 sacks over his seven seasons with the club.
However, all good things must come to an end sooner or later. With Allen approaching 30 and the Commanders needing to infuse youth into the team, could the long-time defensive tackle be on his way out at some point in the 2024 season? One NFL analyst thinks so. Last month, Anthony DiBona of Pro Football Network identified one player from each team who could be traded during the season. For the Commanders, his choice is the long-time defensive tackle.
DiBona points to those changes — namely the new coaching regime and rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels — as reasons for Allen’s change of scenery. Additionally, as DiBona points out, moving Allen would be a significant salary cap boon for Washington. Washington could save $ 32 million in cap space if Allen were moved to another squad this season.
A team working with a quarterback on a rookie contract can use that kind of money to infuse the team with a lot of talent. Allen has served the team well in his seven seasons, but the end could be on the horizon.
