NFL Trade Rumors: Washington Commanders Making Defensive Lineman Jonathan Allen Available

The Washington Commanders are looking to move one of their most established veterans. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are working together with defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to facilitate a trade.

The #Commanders have had trade conversations centered around Pro Bowl DL Jonathan Allen, sources say.

Washington plans to do right by the player & Allen’s camp is involved in helping him land at the right spot — either via trade or free agency. He has one year left at $15M. pic.twitter.com/DNcQxWFACY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2025

Rapoport also hints that the Commanders may allow Allen to test free agency if a trade can't be found. In either case, the team appears to be done with the two-time Pro Bowler.

Allen has been with the Commanders since entering the league as the 17th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. As a disruptive interior presence, he has logged 42 sacks over 109 appearances, but he has spent much of his career toiling in obscurity due to the struggles of the Commanders' franchise.

Allen missed nine games due to injury in 2024 and is coming off arguably his worst season since his rookie year. He is set to count nearly $22.5 million against the cap, so it makes sense that Commanders are looking at moving him. Unfortunately for them, they're likely in a position where they'll have to sell low. They may have to settle for a late-round pick or even release him outright.

Parting with the Commanders just as they seem to be turning a corner as a franchise is unfortunate timing for Allen, but that's the harsh reality of the NFL. He's still only 30 years old, and he could still be a valuable contributor to the right organization. He could be a high-upside, bargain-rate signing for a savvy team.