4 established alphas on the Washington Commanders roster in 2024
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
Jonathan Allen is the definition of an established alpha or franchise cornerstone. For the last seven years, the former Alabama standout has remained consistent and one of the better interior defensive linemen in the game. He has the production to prove it.
However, the 2024 season - his eighth as an NFL professional - will be critical in establishing his long-term presence with the Washington Commanders.
Rumors have swirled for months, even dating back to last season, that the Commanders could move on from the 29-year-old. With Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. entering the organization's fold, Allen should have a bounce-back season. Adam Peters also stated emphatically that they don't plan on moving him via the trade market.
During Ron Rivera’s final season as head coach, Allen was admittedly never motivated and checked out. This isn’t a total surprise considering the status of the roster overall in 2023. That has to change this time around.
Allen is a terrific player and a terrifying force in the middle of the trenches when the light is on. His combination of size, explosiveness, length, power, anchor, and quickness make him a handful. Commanders fans should hope that this caliber of production returns this season under new leadership.
With how aggressive Peters has been rebuilding the roster throughout his first offseason at the helm, another up-and-down campaign from the two-time Pro Bowler could see him on the trade block. He might even be gone from the organization altogether next season. But that's a worst-case scenario.
Consider this, Allen turns 30 years old in 2025. The Commanders could save $17 million in cap space by giving him a pre-June 1st cut designation. Peters will be having that in the back of his mind knowing that a young Johnny Newton looks to be the potential successor.
This is a critical year regardless of his standing. Either way, Allen remains one of the true alphas on the roster heading into Year 1 of the rebuild.