Grading the Commanders latest five moves including Jonathan Allen stance

Commanders not trading Jonathan Allen

Speculation was rampant around a potential trade involving Jonathan Allen this offseason. The veteran defensive tackle became more disillusioned than most after going through under season littered with underachievement. For the first time, he even hinted at potentially moving away for a better chance at contending before his powers wane.

Interest in Allen would have been high, such is the esteem in which he is held around the league. However, general manager Adam Peters ended the rumors abruptly, claiming the Washington Commanders had no intention of parting ways with the former first-round pick out of Alabama.

This is the correct call. Allen is still extremely disruptive despite a down year by his typically high standards. He seems to have bought into head coach Dan Quinn's plans and could bounce back within his expansive defensive system. There's also his supreme leadership on and off the field to factor into the equation as a definite positive.

While the temptation was there to gain additional draft assets, Allen makes everyone better when he's motivated and playing well. That's something the Commanders are banking on next season, which could lead to an extension if everything goes according to plan.

Grade: A

Allen is one of the very few cornerstone pieces that Peters inherited upon becoming general manager. Keeping him around during such an important transition into a new era was the right thing to do.