The Washington Redskins signed most of their rookie class to deals on Thursday afternoon. Jonathan Allen, their first round pick, naturally got the most lucrative deal.
In the lead up to the 2017 NFL Draft, most expected Jonathan Allen to be a lock for the top 10 in the draft. Widely considered to be the second best defensive lineman in the draft, behind No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, the Redskins were lucky to have Allen fall into their lap. He will fill a major need at the five technique on their defensive line, and he could be one of the best players from the draft.
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On Thursday, the Redskins faithful got good news as the team signed nine of their 10 rookies to deals. Allen was among those that signed, and he signed the biggest deal of all. On Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport took to Twitter to report the details of the contract.
#Redskins first-round DL Jonathan Allen signed a 4-year fully guaranteed $11.6M contract, source said. He got a $6.6M signing bonus
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2017
As is the case with most rookie contracts, this should end up being a more than fair contract. The most recent CBA has allowed teams to standardize rookie contracts, but the full guarantees make it fair for players and teams alike.
Comparatively, Allen is going to be paid more than the last two No. 17 overall picks. In 2016, Keanu Neal of the Atlanta Falcons inked a $10.7 million deal over the same four year term (per Spotrac.com). He played a key role on the Falcons’ Super Bowl squad, and earned that money. In 2015, Arik Armstead, a defensive lineman, was the pick and he made $9.8 million over the course of four years (also per Spotrac.com). He has enjoyed steady success and is one of the best young players on the San Francisco 49ers.
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The success of former No. 17 overall picks should be a good sign for Allen, especially since he was considered to be a potential top five prospect. If Allen can turn into a solid starter, he will definitely earn this deal. It seems likely that he will, and the Redskins are likely to pick up his fifth year option if that happens.