4 extremely early Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2025
By Dean Jones
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
- Cap saving: $17 million
- Dead money: $6 million
Jonathan Allen made no secret about his frustrations about how things were unfolding with the Washington Commanders last season. The defensive tackle cut a forlorn figure, voicing his disapproving opinions frequently to the media and even hinting that his future might lie away from the organization after experiencing nothing but abject failure since entering the league.
Thankfully, everything seems to be a lot rosier now. Allen's been impressed by the new regime and how they've approached things throughout the offseason. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn also revealed they never contemplated trading the former first-round pick out of Alabama, who'll have an integral role to play on and off the field in 2024.
Hopes are high that Allen can return to the form of old. However, the Commanders raised the stakes by drafting Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
When Newton fell out of the first round and into their laps, Peters felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down despite the presence of Allen and Daron Payne as their defensive tackle starting tandem. The former Illinois star will play a role immediately, so the two aforementioned veterans need to improve to avoid any unnecessary complications next year.
If the Commanders feel like Newton is ready to assume starting reps in 2025 and Allen doesn't show enough, a situation could emerge where he's deemed surplus to requirements. Finding a trade partner for the lineman is a realistic possibility in this scenario. Based on the savings involved, cutting him entirely is another option.
Peters would get himself a hefty saving of $17 million by releasing Allen heading into the final year of his deal. The dead money stands at $6 million, which is on the steep side but nothing compared to the extra funds it would provide.
Hopefully, Allen can do enough to make a significant impact next season and potentially earn another contract. If not, then it might be his final campaign in Washington thanks to Newton's arrival.
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