Which teams could potentially trade for unhappy Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen during the 2024 offseason?
Tensions are beginning to rise within the Washington Commanders. Losing will do that, so the pressure is on Josh Harris' ownership group to make the changes needed to finally get this franchise moving forward positively after so much misery during Dan Snyder's tenure.
Jonathan Allen has been more vocal than most about the team's failings. The veteran defensive tackle is pretty sick and tired of underachieving, even going as far as to say he'd 1,000 percent thought about leaving for an organization more capable of contending.
This sent the rumor mill ablaze. The Commanders are about to embark on a substantial rebuild, so they might consider parting ways with Allen if the compensation matches his talent.
With that in mind, here are five teams that could potentially trade for Allen if the Commanders begin taking calls in 2024.
Commanders could trade Jonathan Allen to the Chargers
It's been another underwhelming season for the Los Angeles Chargers after much was expected before the campaign. Brandon Staley's time as head coach could be coming to an end, so the new regime might look to make a splash and enhance their defensive front with a difference-maker like Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders.
The former first-round pick out of Alabama would have the benefit of two premier pass-rushers - Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa - taking up attention, which would help. One potential complication is the Chargers' salary-cap situation, with the team currently more than $27 million over the projected figure before sacrifices are made and restructures are agreed.
Commanders could trade Jonathan Allen to the Saints
The New Orleans Saints are another team with their fortunes hanging in the balance right now. They could win the NFC South given how disappointing the division's been, but even that might not be enough for head coach Dennis Allen to remain in position for a third campaign.
Considering the pieces on both sides of the football, the Saints are underachieving. Those in power must also navigate a tricky upcoming salary-cap situation given New Orleans is currently $71.49 million in the red.
Still, that won't stop general manager Mickey Loomis from swinging for the fences. Trading or Jonathan Allen comes with risk attached financially if nothing else, but the rewards could be substantial if they make the Washington Commanders an offer they can't refuse.
Allen is an interior force who commands double teams almost constantly. In this scenario, he'd have a supremely gifted veteran alongside him in the form of defensive end Cameron Jordan, who is still performing at an extremely high level despite his advancing years.
The Alabama product stated he would like to go to a winner. New Orleans hasn't done much of that since Sean Payton left town, so much would depend on whether the Saints part ways with their current man at the helm or not.
Commanders could trade Jonathan Allen to the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars look right on the cusp of something special. It's been a long road back to prominence, but Doug Pederson's arrival as head coach completely shifted the mindset and has them well on course to win the AFC South in 2023.
It won't be much longer before the Jaguars have to provide star quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a lucrative contract extension. Therefore, striking while the iron is hot next offseason is something those in power should consider with almost $39 million in cap space currently.
If the Washington Commanders did make Jonathan Allen available for trade, the Jaguars make a ton of sense. He'd instantly improve their defensive line, although Jacksonville's been pretty stable against the run over the campaign so far.
There are very few who can match Allen when at the top of his game. Those flashes have been fleeting with the Commanders this season, but joining a contender like the Jaguars and playing in a warm climate could be exactly what the veteran needs to make a return to the form of old.
Considering how competitive the AFC conference has rapidly become, Jacksonville cannot sit on its hands in pursuit of progression. And someone with Allen's credentials could be exactly what this up-and-coming group needs to take that next step.
Commanders could trade Jonathan Allen to the Chiefs
This almost wouldn't be fair.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a little more than $50 million in salary-cap space available in 2024 with 36 players under contract. Their step back this season can be placed largely down to the lack of pass-catchers at Patrick Mahomes' disposal, but the team's defensive unit continues to make encouraging strides under Steve Spagnuolo.
Whether the Chiefs would consider making another bold splash to fortify this group further is anyone's guess. Good teams consistently challenging in the postseason never stand still, so pairing Jonathan Allen with Chris Jones - if the latter signs an extension - would give them arguably the best defensive tackle tandem anywhere in the league.
One could argue that the Chiefs need to spend the money they have on providing Mahomes with better options at the skill positions. However, this is a deep class of wideouts emerging from the college ranks, so identifying a prospect or two and sorting a trade with the Washington Commanders for Allen has obvious benefits.
To say Allen would welcome this move represents a huge understatement. He's desperate to join a winning organization with a legitimate chance of contending - something the Commanders might not be able to accomplish during his prime years.
Kansas City will always be in the mix as long as Mahomes is under center. And it's the sort of win-now trade perennial Super Bowl hopefuls normally give serious thought.
Commanders could trade Jonathan Allen to the Packers
Just when it looked like the Green Bay Packers might be going through a transitional period after trading four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they've shown signs of life in recent weeks. The NFC North team has recovered well after a difficult start and is right in the wildcard mix as a result.
Jordan Love looks like the latest Packers' long-term option under center after waiting patiently for this chance. If he finishes off the campaign strongly, Green Bay can focus its attention on improving other areas.
They don't normally make big splashes from an incoming standpoint. But calling the Washington Commanders to inquire if Jonathan Allen is available could be worth its weight in gold.
The Packers run a 3-4 base defensive scheme. Allen doesn't have the size to be a genuine nose tackle, but he could thrive as a 3-4 defensive end opposite Kenny Clark.
All signs point to Allen and the Commanders going their separate ways. This is a team about to embark on significant rebuilding and changes, so maximizing value for any established veteran looks like a smart business all things considered.
That's what the NFL is at the end of the day. So if the new front office regime receives a decent enough offer, one cannot dismiss the possibility of seeing Allen in a different uniform next season.