The Commanders are willing to shake things up on their defense in a massive way — literally.
Washington will listen to trade offers for two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, now entering the last year of his contract, NFL Network reported Tuesday.
Allen’s camp has received clearance to help facilitate a trade or seemingly a release and signing, according to the report.
He has a cap hit of $22.3 million and a base salary of $15.5 million for 2025 but Washington would save more than $16 million if they part ways this offseason, per Spotrac.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive stalwart had once been one of the better interior defenders in the NFL but played in a career-low eight games last season due to a torn pec.
He tallied three sacks spanning those games.
It appears Washington believes it could be better served using that potential $16-plus million to fill other holes rather than investing in a 30-year-old.
Washington’s defense ranked 30th in rush defense last year, allowing 137.5 points per game, and that could be a focus of those extra funds.
The Commanders boasted the No. 3 pass defense in terms of yards allowed per game and the No. 13 overall unit, but they allowed 55 points to the Eagles in January’s NFC Championship game.
NFL Network reported the team is trying to do right by the player in letting Allen talk to other teams, which allows the player and agent to see what kind of market there is for said player.
The Commanders figure to be one of the key teams to watch this offseason while they try to make the right moves to bolster a team that made an unsurprising run to the NFC Championship game.
Allen had been a lineup staple during some of the lean years for the franchise and it seems he may not be around to potentially experience a strong run under standout quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The former Alabama star has 41 sacks across his seven-year career.
What teams are willing to offer for Allen could be influenced by whether the Browns are willing to listen to trade propositions for star defensive end Myles Garrett.
Garrett has requested a trade but reportedly is not being made available by the Browns.