Led by the likes of DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Samson Ebukam, the Indianapolis Colts possess one of the NFL’s top defensive lines. The unit could be even better if the team acquired a star defensive tackle like Jonathan Allen.
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report has a trade idea that has the Colts sending a 2025 second-round and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders for Allen:
“Commanders Receive: 2025 second-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick…Colts Receive: DL Jonathan Allen”
This would be an interesting trade for the Colts. Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, could instantly transform the team’s defensive line from good to elite. But is there a realistic chance that such a trade would happen?
Should the Colts Trade for 2-Time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen?
Jonathan Allen’s Career Thus Far
Jonathan Allen had an amazing collegiate career at Alabama, winning two national championships. During his final season, he won several awards like the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Washington selected Allen with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. A Lisfranc injury forced him to play only five games as a rookie. However, he has played at least 15 games in the past six seasons.
Allen made the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022. He has produced a total of 22 sacks over the last three years, including a career-high 9.0 in 2021. During his seven-year career in Washington, Allen has posted 382 combined tackles (57 for loss), 39 sacks, and 111 quarterback hits.
Colts’ Stacked Defensive Line
The Colts’ defensive line is stacked full of talent. Buckner and Stewart are the starters at defensive tackle. Buckner has been the heart of Indy’s pass rush ever since he was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. He has recorded at least 50 total pressures in each of the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Stewart is one of the league’s top-run defenders. Indy’s defense struggled mightily during his six-game PED suspension last season. Raekwon Davis, who signed as a free agent this offseason, will play behind Buckner and Stewart.
At the defensive end position, Ebukam and Kwity Paye are expected to start. Guys like Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis, and rookie Laiatu Latu will provide depth.
Does Acquiring Jonathan Allen Make Sense?
In 2023, the Colts recorded 51 sacks, which is an Indianapolis-era record. Ebukam and Paye led the team with 9.5 and 8.5 sacks respectively. Latu, who had 13 sacks at UCLA last season, could help the Colts’ pass rush in 2024.
Allen would also help the Colts’ pass rush. However, a trade sending him to Indy is highly unlikely. It doesn’t make sense, seeing that the team spent a ton of money on Buckner, Stewart, and Davis this offseason. Buckner was given a $46 million extension, Stewart was re-signed to a $39 million deal, and Davis signed a $14 million contract.
Buckner and Stewart would still start at defensive tackle if the Allen-to-the-Colts trade happened. Allen will make $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025. That’s a lot of money to pay for a backup. The DT position would be extremely crowded. With that said, such a trade is highly unlikely for the Colts. It doesn’t hurt to dream, though.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson/USA TODAY NETWORK
