The Washington Commanders made the NFL sit up and take notice again after securing a trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. A recent report suggests one of their longest-serving players almost went the other way.
Jonathan Allen wants a fresh challenge. Like Samuel, he's got one more remaining on his deal and wants to see if a change of scenery can improve his fortunes. Adam Peters granted this request, giving his representatives permission to gauge interest around the league.
Nothing has materialized as yet. The Commanders are keeping all options open, but they want to do right by Allen after everything he's given to the franchise.
Teams will be aware he's a release candidate, although trading for the player guarantees his services rather than attempting to convince him in free agency when the market could be more robust. Either way, Washington stands to save $16.47 million on their salary cap when the former first-round pick departs. That almost completely negates the $17.46 million they're taking on with Samuel.
Commanders discussed Jonathan Allen trade swap for Deebo Samuel
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN revealed that Allen's departure could have come quicker than anticipated. The senior insider reported that the Commanders and San Francisco 49ers discussed a straight swap between Samuel and Allen, adding that the defensive tackle's salary in 2025 was a stumbling block for the cash-strapped NFC West squad.
The Commanders removed Allen from talks and coughed up a fifth-round selection instead. That could be a shrewd piece of business by Peters if Samuel bounces back from a down year by his typically high standards. As for the Alabama product? He'll wait patiently for developments regarding his next place of employment.
Washington won't get much in return for Allen. They only have six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft as things stand, so anything would be a bonus. His production has regressed over the last two seasons, but he's a two-time Pro Bowler and exceptional leadership presence within the locker room. That intrigued the Niners, which might raise urgency for another contending team looking to fortify their defensive front.
Peters is incredibly active. He's approaching Washington's roster construction with purpose and urgency. Adding Samuel into the mix is only going to make them more attractive to potential targets. Those plans won't include Allen, who's looking to galvanize his career in a different environment.
The Commanders have Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. They've also got veterans like Carl Davis, Sheldon Day, and Jalyn Holmes who could be re-signed on short-term deals. But if, or when, Allen departs, this seems like a good opportunity for Washington to inject some extra explosiveness into the defensive trenches.
This is a deep draft class for defensive linemen. Peters could solve this complication with a long-term replacement for Allen via the college ranks. Some outstanding free agents like Milton Williams won't be cheap, but they bring proven production.
Removing Allen from the equation first would be desirable. The Commanders cannot let things drag on. But the fact Peters mentioned the two-time Pro Bowler during trade conversations for Samuel suggests there's the correct urgency attached to this situation.
Watch this space.