For eight years a stalwart of the Washington Commanders, Jonathan Allen is no longer needed. Ouch.
After granting him permission to seek a trade, the team released him this week when no buyers were found. The roster move saves Washington about $16 million under the salary cap, and teams were keen on the impending move so they waited for his release rather than give up assets in a trade.
It will be weird without him in Washington.
Allen's 42 career sacks rank 10th all-time in franchise history. He made two Pro Bowls are came back from a serious chest injury last season to start all three playoff games. The No. 17 overall pick out of Alabama was elected into the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame in 2019, as he attended Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia. He's a local legend.
But now he's an ex-Commander.
So where might he wind up in 2025?
Dallas Cowboys - They just re-signed Osa Odighizuwa to a massive contract, but with key decisions remaining on defensive linemen such as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the NFC East rivals could swoop in for a bargain like Allen.
Chicago Bears: They have already upgraded their offensive line with trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. To compete in the difficult NFC North, they'll have to find some defensive players who can stop the powerful offenses of the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
Related: Commanders Could Trade for Unhappy Superstar Edge Rusher
Cincinnati Bengals: Like Allen in Washington, NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson has been granted permission to seek a trade. In already turbulent offseason, they've released defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and Sam Hubbard up and retired. All eyes have been on Tee Higgins, but suddenly Cincy has defensive holes to fill as well.
San Francisco 49ers: New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh seeks to shore up a run defense that slumped to 18th in the NFL last season. The Niners released two-time Pro Bowl tackle Javon Hargraves, and could be looking for a cheaper replacement in Allen.
Related: Commanders' Offseason Offensive Shopping List Revealed
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM.