3 Commanders who cannot afford to regress at 2024 training camp

Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT

Jonathan Allen has been the heartbeat of the team along with Terry McLaurin. This is hard to debate.

He has been one of the Washington Commanders' best players. He's also an undisputed leader within the locker room - someone other players look to for inspiration through good times and bad.

But this new regime is not playing any games. They drafted Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall, even though the Commanders were already pretty much four-deep at the defensive tackle position. He was the best player available, but there could be more to it.

In a year when Allen was flustered like never before, his numbers slumped. He looked disillusioned and frustrated in equal measure. The former Alabama star even hinted his future may lie elsewhere to finish his career on a high.

The shining light Allen had always displayed flickered, but the Commanders needed more. With the way that Adam Peters spends money and hands out short contracts, he may have a potential situation drawn up when Allen is no longer around.

Commanders fans, for the most part, do not want this. But with all of the talent at defensive tackle - the strongest position group on the team that already boasts one of the league's most underrated stars in Daron Payne - there is a scenario in which Allen is deemed surplus to requirements.

If Allen goes into training camp refreshed, look for him to become the force we've come to typically expect. If last season's regression becomes something more concerning, the team captain might become expendable during or after the 2024 season.

Not even established figures such as Allen are completely safe. He is a very valuable player and would be for any team. But it's a precarious situation that comes with huge ramifications attached.

Allen looked energized and ready to help over early offseason workouts. Hopefully, this is a trend that continues throughout the summer.