Even throughout the offseason, life in the NFL never truly slows down. While free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft are the biggest events, organizations have become more and more willing to trade players in exchange for draft picks and other veterans. While several transactions could go down in the coming weeks, one overlooked trade candidate is Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Selected by the team in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the two-time Pro Bowler has been one of the more reliable players at his position throughout the life of his career. However, now that he’s entering his age-29 season, the Alabama product wants to start winning games. This much was evident from his profanity-laced tirade last year, and Jonathan Allen would probably welcome a trade to a winning organization.
The Washington Commanders spent big in free agency, but they’re not ready to be true contenders quite yet. At the end of the day, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the Commanders next quarterback would need to hit the ground running to guide this roster to the playoffs. As pointed out by Bleacher Report‘s Gary Davenport, a Jonathan Allen trade would not only allow the defensive tackle to chase a ring, but it would also free up some cap space and add a draft pick to Washington’s rebuild.
Jonathan Allen Could Be A Potential Trade Candidate
In the interest of full disclosure, it’s important to point out that Davenport’s article is about players who should be traded but likely won’t be. While there are a lot of reasons for the Washington Commanders to trade Jonathan Allen, Davenport points out that “there has been nothing to indicate the Commanders are shopping Allen.”
This is somewhat surprising, as Jonathan Allen should be able to fetch a decent return in a trade. While he’s no Chris Jones, the defensive tackle is an above-average force against both the run and the pass, and several contenders could use a player like him on their roster. Even without Allen, Washington’s defensive line should be fine as long as Daron Payne is around, and the long-term benefits of the cap space and draft pick should outweigh the short-term loss of Allen.
Perhaps the Jonathan Allen trade market heats up as we get closer to the NFL Draft. Every team in the league wants to find cost-controlled talent, but there are only so many good players to go around. With that in mind, these teams could target Allen if they miss out on their preferred prospects.
Possible Destinations
Miami Dolphins
After losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, the Miami Dolphins have a glaring hold on their defensive line. While the team lost several key players over the past few weeks, Wilkins’ loss is probably the biggest. While they could try to address this hold in the NFL Draft with someone like Byron Murphy or Jer’Zhan Newton, Jonathan Allen would be able to provide an immediate impact with a trade. Seeing as Miami’s championship window is closing quickly, this team might prefer the guaranteed promise of a quality veteran.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams were supposed to have an unstoppable defensive tackle duo with Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner. However, with Donald retired, the Rams will need to find somebody else to fill the center of their defense. Donald was the best defensive player of his generation and nobody can singlehandedly replace his production. With that being said, Jonathan Allen is probably the best option available on the trade market. Once again, the Rams could turn to the NFL Draft, but Allen is a safer bet. Matthew Stafford is not getting any younger, so this team could use a proven veteran like Allen to fill the role.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints believe that they are contenders, so that’s enough to make them interested in a Jonathan Allen trade. While Bryan Bresee showed some promise as a rookie, Allen is a considerably better player at this point in their respective careers. In the short-term, Allen and Bresee can form a strong defensive interior while the veteran helps bring out the best in the Saints former first-round pick.
Los Angeles Chargers
Any team that has Justin Herbert as quarterback has a chance to go on a playoff run, even without wide receivers. Jim Harbaugh is an old-school type of coach who believes games are won and lost in the trenches. Coincidentally, the Chargers have not been able to find a reliable defensive tackle in years. Jonathan Allen can dramatically improve the defensive line, and Harbaugh will probably want to trade for a position he believes to be one of the most important in the game.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports
