NFL Trade Rumors: Jonathan Allen Given Permission to Seek Deal by Commanders

After being limited to eight games in 2024 due to a torn pectoral muscle, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen reportedly could be on his way out this offseason.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Commanders granted Allen permission to seek a trade as he enters the final year of his contract.

The trade market for Allen has already begun to heat up, as Jones reported that "multiple teams have fielded calls related to Allen in recent days." The Commanders are expected to continue those conversations this week during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

In his eight appearances last season, Allen had 19 total tackles and three sacks. The two-time Pro Bowler had played in at least 16 games in each of the previous four seasons.

Allen has spent his entire eight-year career in Washington after being drafted 17th overall in 2017 and signing a four-year, $72 million extension prior to the 2021 season. His $15.5 million base salary for 2025 is not guaranteed, but his $22.47 million cap number is the third-highest on the roster. However, it sounds like the franchise isn't interested in reworking his deal.

Jones noted that the Commanders "have been preparing for the possibility of life without Allen" for quite some time, pointing out that they signed defensive tackle Daron Payne to a four-year, $90 million extension in 2023 and used a 2024 second-round pick to select defensive tackle Johnny Newton. It was also noted that "a trade or outright release would free up nearly $17 million in cap space."

If healthy, Allen can be a difference-maker on any defensive line as well as a veteran locker room presence, so he will surely garner interest from teams around the league looking to improve in the trenches.