5 contracts holding the Washington Commanders back right now
By Dean Jones
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $21.44 million
Jonathan Alen was not at his best in 2023. The veteran defensive tackle has set the bar exceptionally high after a glittering career to date. Hopefully, this regression was down to his lack of motivation as another Washington Commanders campaign spiraled into the proverbial abyss under recently fired head coach Ron Rivera.
Allen made no secret about his unhappiness. He was a forlorn, outspoken figure threatening to leave if things didn't improve. Perhaps this was a little reactionary in hindsight. The former first-round selection out of Alabama did seem pleased with the way Washington has approached their hires so far during a recent media appearance. That's a good sign he's willing to stick around.
That doesn't detract from Allen's contract being a problem. He's counting just north of $21 million against the salary cap. His production last season didn't match this lofty financial commitment. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether it was just a blip or the start of something more concerning.
If general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn identify Allen as a core foundational piece, then restructuring his current deal provides the Commanders with some extra breathing space financially. They could let things ride out, but there is no guaranteed money left on his deal in any case.
A possible contract extension is another way the Commanders could appease all parties in this scenario. Trading Allen was speculated earlier this offseason, but that seems to have died down a little after an impressive start to Washington's offseason plans.