What to watch for at Washington Football Team training camp

1. The Jonathan Allen Extension talks

It may not be a development that is occurring on the field but the Jonathan Allen extension may be one of the more important developments to watch as training camp unfolds. Not only would an extension lock up one of the NFL’s better young, interior defensive linemen, it also sets the market for all of Washington’s other front four members.

Whatever Allen’s extension nets out to earn on average annually, then Daron Payne will want to reset that. And so will Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Whatever Allen gets, his counterparts will watch closely. And each will compare their contract negotiations to how Allen’s went and so on and so forth.

It is also completely possible that Allen does not put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal in the preseason with Washington and the talks go to the offseason. And it is possible this could be the last year in the Burgundy & Gold for Allen.

While that development is not likely due to the fact that Allen fits the mold for everything Rivera wants in a player, it is in the realm of possibilities. And given Allen’s status on the team, that alone, makes the contract talks a development to keep an eye on.

Jonathan Allen will set his other teammates’ market when discussing contract details with Washington. He is also an integral piece to both the team and culture, making it a high priority that he does get extended. It is time to start paying the foundation of the Washington Football Team: the defensive front four.

Agree with these storylines as important to follow? Have other under-the-radar developments you yourself are eyeing? Leave them in the comments below!