In recent days, the Washington Commanders have been in headlines due to the fact that they have been trying to part ways with defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
After announcing their intent to try and trade Allen, [Washington entered into trade discussions](https://riggosrag.com/commanders-reportedly-get-aggressive-speed-up-jonathan-allen-trade) to try and find him a new home. Surely, there were several appealing options for Allen in regards to his next potential team.
The question was, would a prospective team be willing to give up draft capital to acquire the 30-year-old? Not only that, but this is a 30-year-old defensive lineman entering the final year of his contract.
That makes things especially interesting for any team that might be interested. And, as it turns out, there was not much of a market for Allen because of these factors.
The Washington Commanders have released Jonathan Allen
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The trade talks ultimately fell flat, however, and the Commanders officially [announced they were releasing Allen](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1898051337624883365).
This doesn't come as too much of a surprise considering his cap hit for 2025 was over $22 million and, any team that would have been interested in Allen also had to know the Commanders would end up saving over $16 million if they simply chose to release him.
Indeed, prospective teams were smart enough to know that they'd have a shot at him without having to give up any draft capital.
Now, the two-time Pro Bowl veteran gets an opportunity to find a new team just a few days before the open market becomes official. This gives any team with a need for defensive line a chance to pounce before the frenzy which ensues next week.
After missing half the regular season with a torn pectoral muscle, Allen came back to play the final couple of games and in the postseason. Now healthy and nearing the end of his career, in all likelihood, Allen will have to decide between trying to cash in one more time or pursuing a Super Bowl.
Will he get the opportunity to do both?