Chargers could trade for Jonathan Allen
The Los Angeles Chargers could be among the frontrunners for Jonathan Allen upon further examination after the Washington Commanders granted his trade request.
Jim Harbaugh changed the culture quickly as expected. There was more professionalism and purpose across the Chargers in 2024. They reached the postseason following a late rally, which was a huge step in the right direction and something they can build upon moving forward.
Their defensive front needs an extra injection of veteran leadership. Harbaugh values this highly. Allen meets those requirements comfortably. The Chargers have 11 draft selections in 2025. Giving up one for a Pro Bowl-caliber performer seems feasible.
The Chargers also have plenty of salary-cap space to take on Allen's salary in the final year of his deal. This could increase further if Joey Bosa is released with a saving of $25.38 million attached.
This project is sure to entice Allen, too. The Chargers are on the up with Harbaugh leading the charge. They have a quarterback in place and some exciting pieces to build around. They are also desperate for defensive line reinforcements, so the dots connect themselves.
Commanders fans should watch the Chargers closely as a potential landing spot for Allen in the not-too-distant future.
Patriots could trade for Jonathan Allen
This is a wild card and wouldn't be the first team on Jonathan Allen's list of potential destinations. Even so, the New England Patriots might look to tempt the Commanders into a deal looking at their current predicament.
The Patriots were unsurprisingly one of the league's worst teams in 2024. However, things are looking up for the AFC East club following the high-profile appointment of Mike Vrabel as head coach.
Vrabel brings instant creditability to the project. He's a respected leader and revered around the league. The Patriots are also loaded with resources to speed up their rebuilding project this offseason.
New England has the league's most salary-cap space by a considerable margin at $128.07 million based on projections. They could acquire Allen's contract with minimal fuss if they identified him as a player of interest.
The Patriots also have nine draft selections at their disposal in 2025. They have their franchise quarterback in place after Drake Maye's encouraging growth throughout his rookie campaign. That gives Vrabel the freedom to strengthen other areas and find players capable of spearheading a culture shift within the organization.
Allen's high character and exceptional leadership would be a tremendous aid during this transition. But the veteran is probably looking for somewhere with a better chance to contend immediately.