NFL Rumors: Jonathan Allen Likely to Be Released If Commanders Can't Find Trade

The Washington Commanders reportedly will likely release veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen "in a cost-cutting move" if they are unable to "find a trading partner" for him, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini previously reported that the Commanders and San Francisco 49ers had discussed swapping Allen for Deebo Samuel before the Niners instead sent Washington a fifth-round pick in exchange for the wideout.

And in late February, reports emerged that the Commanders were exploring a trade for Allen.

At the time, general manager Adam Peters told reporters that "everything's still on the table in terms of whether it's a trade or staying here or whatever."

"He's going into the last year of his deal," Peters added of Allen. "We wanted to give him and his representation a chance to explore other opportunities and we talked about it. So, we'll let them do that."

Moving on, either by release or trade, would offer the Commanders significant cap savings in 2025:

Allen, 30, is a two-time Pro Bowler, though he appeared in just eight games last season due to a torn pectoral. He was able to return for the team's postseason run to the NFC Championship Game, however.

When healthy, Allen registered three sacks and seven quarterback hits in the regular season and a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits in the playoffs.

"It's a true testament to his professionalism to come back from the pec and play in the playoffs," Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio told Silver in January. "He's a very good player who can play both the run and the pass and just goes about his business, down in and down out. His strength is probably his biggest asset, but he's smart and puts himself in great positions. He's kind of an old-school, throwback guy who's gonna lead his team with his consistency."

Allen and Daron Payne have long formed one of the better defensive tackle duos in the sport. That pairing seems likely to be broken up this offseason, however.