One of the key losses for the Washington Commanders this offseason was veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. But it's fair to acknowledge that his performance levels didn't justify the financial commitment coming his way in 2025.
Allen, who grew up in Ashburn, Virginia, was a childhood fan of the team. He was drafted by Washington at No. 17 overall in 2017 and would go on to spend eight seasons in D.C. The formidable presence earned two Pro Bowl selections and quickly became an established leadership presence in the locker room for good measure.
Age and injuries slowed down his production over the last two seasons. The Commanders made the difficult decision to release him after being unable to find a trade partner. Allen quickly landed with the Minnesota Vikings and seems to be enjoying his new home.
In one area, at least, that enjoyment seems to be coming at Washington's expense.
Jonathan Allen blown away by new facilities after premature Commanders exit
Allen stated during an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast that when it comes to the Vikings' team facilities, the former Alabama star feels like he has been "cheated" over his first eight years. That's not entirely surprising when one considers the complete neglect displayed by owner Dan Snyder before his unceremonious departure.
The Commanders have improved in that regard under their new ownership after receiving among league-worst marks for many years. Even so, their locker room was graded an F and their training room a C+ in the NFL Players Association's most recent report card.
The Vikings, on the other hand, consistently rank among the league's best facilities. This year, the NFLPA graded them second, behind only the Miami Dolphins, with A grades across the board. Their locker room received an A+ (top grade in the entire NFL) and training room an A-, good enough for fourth-best in the league.
It's understandable for Allen to be blown away by the adjustment. His comments aren't ones that Commanders fans should take personally.
The Stone Bridge High School product had plenty of good things to say about his time in Washington. Allen mentioned that it was hard for him to leave because of how healthy the culture was by the end of his time in D.C.
Throughout his tenure, Allen was always one of the locker room's most vocal leaders. He became a player who wasn't afraid to hold others accountable — whether that be his teammates, coaches, or the organization overall.
Even after starting his next chapter, Allen offered some constructive criticism that Washington's brass should take to heart.
For as impressive as the Commanders' cultural turnaround has been, sometimes we all need a reminder that there are still areas in which we can improve. Where Washington's facilities are concerned, the comments of a long-time team stalwart should serve as that reminder.