NFL News: Jonathan Allen Reportedly Released by Commanders After Trade Rumors

Jonathan Allen is going to be a free agent after eight seasons with the Washington Commanders.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Commanders informed Allen on Friday that he is being released to allow him to hit free agency before the legal tampering period begins March 10.

This move comes after Allen had been granted permission to seek a trade.

A trade always seemed unlikely with Allen counting $22.5 million against the cap on his contract. Releasing him will save Washington $16.5 million in cap space.

Allen's base salary with the Commanders in 2025 was going to be $15.5 million, none of which was guaranteed, per Spotrac.

Allen most recently recorded 3.0 sacks and 19 total tackles in a 2024 season derailed by a torn pectoral muscle in Week 6.

The injury was originally reported as season-ending, but Allen returned for the last two games of the regular season.

He started all three Commanders playoff games and played 77.5 percent of Washington's defensive snaps during the team's NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Allen's strongest seasons came when he earned Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022. He totaled 16.5 sacks and 127 combined tackles over that span.

After attending high school in Ashburn and getting drafted by his hometown NFL team in 2017, Allen leaves the franchise having recorded 42.0 sacks, 401 total tackles and 118 quarterback hits in 109 career appearances.

The Commanders could plan to give more playing time to Daron Payne and 2024 second-rounder Jer'Zhan Newton as the team looks to rebuild the defensive line without Allen next season.

Allen figures to be one of the most sought-after free agents given the lack of available options at defensive tackle. Milton Williams is at the top of the list coming off a terrific season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Beyond Williams, though, teams were looking at 32-year-old Javon Hargrave coming off a partially torn triceps that limited him to three games with the San Francisco 49ers last season as their best option.

Allen also suffered a major injury in 2024, but he was able to return before the end of the year to show off his skill set during Washington's playoff run. He could be a key player in the middle of a defensive line for a team with postseason aspirations next season.