Commanders lost Darrick Forrest
- Position: Safety
- New Team: Buffalo Bills (1-year deal)
Things could have been a lot different for Darrick Forrest. It wasn't long ago that the talented safety was widely regarded as one of the league's up-and-coming players at the position. Just two years later, he didn't end up getting a second contract with the Washington Commanders.
Forrest's problems started in 2023. The former Cincinnati standout looked primed for a genuine breakout campaign alongside Kamren Curl. This didn't come to fruition after an injury ended his campaign after just five games.
Curl wasn't the same without Forrest alongside him and he left for the Los Angeles Rams last offseason. With a new regime bringing different ideas and new defensive schematics, the Walnut Ridge High School product became an afterthought.
It seemed from a long way out as if this would be Forrest's final year in Washington. He was probably relishing a fresh start elsewhere, which the Buffalo Bills duly provided thanks to a one-year deal in free agency. Although he wasn't suited to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s demands, that doesn't mean the defensive back cannot thrive elsewhere within a scheme that suits his strengths.
- Departure grade: B-
Forrest is a good player. He's already proven that. He's also landed in a decent situation in Buffalo with the chance of prominent involvement if everything goes according to plan.
Commanders released Jonathan Allen
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- New Team: Minnesota Vikings (2-year deal)
Jonathan Allen wanted a fresh start. The veteran defensive tackle had one more year and no guaranteed money left on his deal. From general manager Adam Peters' standpoint, the on-field production no longer matched the financial outlay.
Allen's trade request was granted by the organization. The Commanders tried to include him in the package for Deebo Samuel Sr. to no avail. When it became apparent that teams were willing to bide their time for the veteran defensive tackle without giving up assets, Peters did right by the player.
The former first-round pick out of Alabama was released shortly before the legal tampering window opened. This gave Allen a chance to choose his next destination and embrace being a free agent for the first time in his career. Interest was reportedly high, with the Minnesota Vikings striking with conviction to bring him on board.
The two-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $51 million deal with $31.25 million guaranteed. Allen now joins an ambitious franchise looking to make a deep playoff run in 2025. Considering the Vikings also reside within the NFC, the interior force could cross paths with Washington in the postseason.
- Departure grade: A
It was a classy move by the Commanders not to make things more complicated than needed with someone who gave everything to the cause. The pressure now goes onto Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and Javon Kinlaw to raise performance levels in his absence.