According to a recent report from ESPN, executives around the NFL wonder if the Washington Commanders will consider trading defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The Commanders drafted interior defensive lineman Johnny Newton with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His arrival complicates Allen's future in Washington.
Allen has two years remaining on a previously signed extension that is slated to pay him $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025. That qualifies as a below-market rate for a game-changing tackle with Allen's abilities. General manager Adam Peters may have to rework Allen's contract if he's interested in retaining him.
In case the Commanders entertain trade offers, we've identified three potential landing spots for Allen.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears executed an in-season blockbuster with the Commanders in 2023 when they acquired Montez Sweat. General manager Ryan Poles should return to the well and gauge Washington's interest in parting with Allen. Even though Sweat upgraded Chicago’s pass rush, the Bears still recorded a 31st-ranked 30 quarterback takedowns last season. More work is needed.
I expected the Bears to be major players for a defensive tackle like Christian Wilkins in free agency, but that didn't come to fruition. Justin Jones, who has since signed with the Arizona Cardinals, led all Bears interior defenders in sacks last season with just 4.5. Creating more interior pressure is a necessity for Matt Eberflus' defensive line.
Now that the Bears have drafted Caleb Williams at quarterback, they should feel more comfortable parting with future draft capital in exchange for players capable of delivering instant results.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
New Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is a defensive-minded leader who understands the importance of dominant play. The Patriots possess quality defensive linemen throughout their roster, but acquiring Allen would elevate them to "best in the league" territory. Now that the Patriots have drafted Drake Maye at quarterback, they can afford to aggressively pursue expensive veterans. That's the best way to take advantage of Maye's rookie contract.
The Patriots currently possess a league-leading $50.2 million in cap space heading into training camp according to Spotrac. They're also currently scheduled to have $110 million in effective cap space next offseason. The Patriots possess plenty of wiggle room to trade for Allen and extend his contract.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Cameron Heyward has been the league's most consistently dominant defensive tackle over the previous decade. He's entering his age 35 season in 2024, and the final year of his contract. The Steelers should start thinking about a succession plan.
Heyward has begun showing signs of slowing down, too. A groin injury limited the six-time Pro Bowler to 11 regular-season appearances and just 2.0 sacks in 2023. It was his lowest output in that category since his sophomore 2012 season.
Trading for Allen and pairing him with Heyward for a season isn't the worst idea. It could even keep Heyward most effective as more of a rotational defender before Allen flawlessly steps into his full-time role in 2025. Keeping Russell Wilson's contract to a one-year, $1.2 million agreement has given Pittsburgh maximum flexibility. General manager Omar Khan has a top-five amount of effective cap space heading into next offseason ($73.7 million) as well.
