The Washington Commanders were looking to strengthen their roster in order to get closer to or potentially surpass the Philadelphia Eagles next time around. Unfortunately, those plans did not include veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
It didn't take long for speculation to emerge regarding Allen's future once Washington's memorable run to the NFC Championship game ended. The former first-round pick had one year and no more guaranteed money on his deal. His performance levels regressed despite his exceptional locker-room leadership remaining. All parties opted to go their separate ways in some capacity.
Allen handed in a trade request. This was granted by general manager Adam Peters, but teams were reluctant to part ways with draft capital when the chances of the two-time Pro Bowler being released were high.
That's what happened. The Commanders did right by Allen, cutting ties just before the legal tampering window. This gave the Alabama graduate a head start on negotiations and choosing his next destination rather than being forced somewhere he might not have wanted to go.
Allen wasn't out of employment for long, signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings that included a $14 million signing bonus and $31.25 million guaranteed. That represents a fantastic payday considering his performance levels over the last two years.
The Commanders will move forward with a defensive tackle trio of Johnny Newton, Daron Payne, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw. Peters believes this can provide the bigger-bodied spark needed to counteract the NFL's elite offensive lines. As for Allen? He'll be a focal point on Brian Flores' 3-4 defensive front as the Vikings look to build on a promising 2024 campaign.
Jonathan Allen praises Commanders for handling his exit with class
Allen got brutally honest when speaking about his Commanders' departure during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He acknowledged that he'd fallen out of favor, and there was nothing he could do about it. However, the interior force praised those in power for handling his departure with complete class and respect.
"I mean, in the NFL, it's very hard to play your entire career on one team. The new regime came in, they had a path that they wanted to follow and I wasn't a part of that. You've got to give them a lot of credit for doing me a favor by releasing me when they did, but things just didn't work out for whatever reason. Super, super excited to be on a new team and reunite with coach [Kevin] O'Connell."Jonathan Allen
This was the right way to handle things. It's another example of the raised professionalism in the Commanders' front office these days. Had this been the previous regime under the previous owner, things (probably) would have been different.
Allen gave a significant amount to Washington's cause. He toiled through abject misery and underachievement. Frustrations threatened to boil over during Ron Rivera's final season, but the respected veteran found a new lease of life when head coach Dan Quinn inspired a sensational culture shift across the board.
That ensured Allen finally had some happy on-field memories to take away from his stint in Washington. Even if it wasn't enough to see out his contract.