Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
After being released by the Minnesota Vikings, former Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has landed with the Cincinnati Bengals according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Allen is set to sign a two-year deal that can be worth up to $28 million.
Allen had signed with Minnesota as a free agent back in 2025 and appeared in all 17 games finishing the year with 68 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. Due to its financial struggles Minnesota was forced to part ways with Allen in order to manage its cap space more efficiently throughout the roster.
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The Bengals were in desperate need of help on the defensive front as it lost star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson as well as Joseph Ossai to free agency.
A former first round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2017, where Allen played the first eight seasons of his career making two Pro Bowls and starting 108 games for the franchise.
Prior to his days in the NFL, Allen was a star defender for Alabama where he played under Nick Saban from 2013 to 2016. During his career with the Crimson Tide he was named to the first team All-SEC three times, Unanimous All-American (2016) and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award and Lombardi Award. Allen also played a big role in helping Alabama win the 2015 national championship game.
He currently ranks third all-time at Alabama in career sacks with 28.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, viaPat_Dowd77