The Washington Commanders couldn’t find a trade partner for Jonathan Allen, and are reportedly releasing him. This move was expected with team’s unlikely to trade picks for the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Allen was granted permission to seek a trade, and Washington was talking to other teams about moving their former first round pick. Allen was taken with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 draft.
Allen has been a staple on Washington’s defensive line, and he got some reinforcement from his former college teammate Daron Payne the following year to form the Alabama Wall. The defensive line featured four first round picks for a few years, but that amount of talent didn’t lead to success. Allen’s frustration at losing boiled over during Ron Rivera’s final year, and there was speculation he would request a trade as the team was jettisoning other former first round picks like DEs Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
The Commanders turned away teams like the Seahawks, and brought Allen back under new head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. He suffered a torn pec that was expected to end his season, and likely his time with Washington. Allen was able to return, and play at the end of the season and through the playoffs, helping the team reach the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years.
Jonathan Allen’s release frees up $16.5 million for this season’s salary cap, and leaves a $6 million dead cap hit. The Commanders have $80.7 million right now, but that number will change over the weekend as more of Washington’s 28 free agents are re-signed. They’ve already brought back kicker Zane Gonzales and LB Bobby Wagner, and they are expected to sign more players like TE Zach Ertz before the legal tampering period starts on Monday at noon.
Commanders informed two-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen today that he is being released, per sources. The team is allowing Allen to hit free agency early, and he now is expected to be one of the top DTs on the market. pic.twitter.com/9UYB83v8BH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025
We have released DT Jonathan Allen
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 7, 2025
General manager Adam Peters has been working to “recalibrate” the Washington Commanders roster along with head coach Dan Quinn. The defense was remade last season, but still needs a lot of upgrades if they want to take the next step towards a championship. Jer’Zhan Newton was drafted in the 2nd round last year, and became an important part of the defensive line after recovering from surgeries to both of his feet for Jones fractures. Peters will need to add more vets and draft picks to continue to reshape the DL, defense, and the entire team. Trade rumors have Washington linked to several big name players, but we’ll have to wait to see if they continue to trade draft picks for veterans, or look to get younger through the draft.