Jonathan Allen, Vikings Agree to Reported $60M Contract After Commanders Release

Former Washington Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Allen played his first eight seasons with Washington, who selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. The former Alabama star earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022. For his career, Allen has amassed 401 tackles (241 solo), 118 quarterback hits and 42.0 sacks.

Last season, Allen was held to just eight games during the regular season due to a partially torn left pectoral muscle. Allen had only missed three games over his previous six seasons after missing 11 contests during his rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury.

Allen still finished with 19 tackles, seven quarterback hits and three sacks and was able to play during Washington's three-game playoff run to the NFC Championship Game.

Allen entered the 2025 offseason on the final year of a four-season, $72 million contract extension. He requested (and was granted permission) to seek a trade in late February.

However, a few weeks later, the Commanders released Allen, saving the team $16.5 million in cap space. He was let go in time for teams to pursue Allen before the legal tampering period's beginning on March 10.

The Vikings' reported interest in Allen dropped via Schefter on Monday when the defensive lineman was scheduled to visit Minnesota.

Minnesota was aggressive in improving its defense via free agency last year, adding defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard and linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman.

Now the Vikings have played a similar tune with Allen, who should help fortify their front. Minnesota enjoyed a solid 2024 season on defense, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game. However, the Vikings' defense struggled when it mattered most in a 31-9 regular season-closing loss to the Detroit Lions and a 27-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.

Minnesota certainly hopes that adding a stalwart in Allen could help improve the D and guide the Vikings to its first playoff win under head coach Kevin O'Connell at minimum.