It's never easy to walk away from homegrown talent. It can be necessary if a team wants to find long-term success, though.
The Washington Commanders learned that lesson the hard way this offseason. While the team did make major additions to the roster like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, they had to say goodbye to defensive captain Jonathan Allen.
Allen was Washington's longest-tenured defensive player. The fact that he was released by the team before free agency started so he could sign a new deal with the Minnesota Vikings was a sting for the Commanders fanbase.
As a result?
CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin named Allen as the team's biggest loss this offseason.
"Allen missed nine games due to injury last season, and his absence was felt as Washington's run defense struggled pretty badly," Dubin wrote.
With all due respect to the critics, though ...
Washington will actually be fine without Allen. The team struggled against the run in the playoffs even when Allen was healthy. With Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton already on the roster, the organization - while shy on perimeter pass rushers - has plenty of skill to work with along the defensive line.
Allen's leadership was important. It's a big reason why Washington was able to make major improvements on the defensive side of the ball.
The team needs to get younger, though. And the fact that Newton is entering his second season was enough evidence for Washington to move on from a fan-favorite veteran.
It's why the organization felt more than comfortable to release Allen once and for all.