49ers Rumors: Jonathan Allen to Be Pursued in NFL Free Agency After Commanders Release

Jonathan Allen could still end up in San Francisco even after trade talks between the Washington Commanders and 49ers fell through.

The 49ers are expected to target Allen following his release by the Commanders, Eric Branch reported for the San Francisco Chronicle.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported last Tuesday that the Commanders had given Allen permission to seek a trade.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Allen's name was subsequently part of talks between the Commanders and 49ers regarding a trade for Deebo Samuel.

The Commanders ultimately acquired Samuel for a fifth-round pick instead. Fowler called Allen's $16.4 million salary "a possible hurdle" to the trade:

The Commanders ultimately took on $6 million in dead cap by releasing Allen, per Spotrac.

Allen will now be able to sign a new contract with his next team, making him a more attractive option for the 49ers. San Francisco currently ranks 20th in the NFL with just over $34 million in projected 2025 cap space, per Over the Cap.

The 49ers have also been tied to another defensive veteran in Joey Bosa, who is being released by the Los Angeles Chargers, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Niners are planning to release Javon Hargrave, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner, and already released Arik Armstead last offseason.

Allen may be heading into his age-30 season after recently undergoing surgery on a partially torn pectoral muscle, but he could still present a veteran option for a team in need of more depth at defensive tackle.