Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The former Pro Bowler had 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts last season. The Vikings are making this move as they are currently more than $40 million over the salary cap.
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Allen may not be the only defensive tackle released by the Vikings as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is also expected to be released.
Prior to joining the Vikings, Allen spent eight seasons with Washington after being drafted in the first round out of Alabama in 2017. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022 and was considered one of the top defensive linemen in the league for a few seasons. He suffered an injury in 2024, and the Commanders released him after the season.
NFL free agency will start on March 11 at 4 p.m. EST, and Allen will be one of the notable former Alabama players that will be looking for a new NFL home. Allen will be in free agency alongside former Alabama players like running back Najee Harris, Super Bowl-winning defensive back Josh Jobe, defensive back Trevon Diggs, running back Brian Robinson Jr. and more.
Matthew Mason is a writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with three years of experience covering Alabama athletics. Mason, a junior at The University of Alabama, began covering Alabama athletics for The Crimson White in 2023 and became a Staff Writer in 2024 before joining TDA in May of 2025. Along with coverage of Alabama football, Mason creates video content for TDA's YouTube channel. Follow him on X at MatthewMason__