Commanders Shockingly Release Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen

The Washington Commanders have made an important roster decision, as the team is releasing Pro Bowl star defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Though the team attempted to find a trade partner, it appears that has not been the case.

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Allen should find a new team with ease, as he has been one of the best defensive tackles in the game.

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Allen, like many high-profile players who are set to be released in the coming days, is just a cap casualty. The Commanders chose to move forward Daron Payne and Johnny Newton and wanted to save cap space for more free-agent moves.

Allen saves the Commanders a staggering $16.5 million in cap space, which is no small figure. Though he is a fantastic defensive tackle, Washington chose to move on.

Allen finished the 2024 season with three sacks and 19 total tackles. He has spent his entire eight seasons in the NFL with the Commanders, and will now be seeking a new team in 2025.

Through eight seasons, Allen has secured 401 total tackles and 42 sacks. His most successful season came in 2021 when he brought in nine sacks and 62 total tackles.

Expect Allen to find a home sooner rather than later. One team that is likely to pounce on Allen is the Arizona Cardinals, who need to rebuild their defensive line.

Though the Cardinals might want a younger core, Allen is still a strong veteran that the team should invest in. He brings the right kind of energy and veteran leadership that would benefit any team.

The Commanders, on the other hand, are trying to get younger. The team was close to making the Super Bowl, which they did behind new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington was one of the biggest surprises in 2024, and the team could make a serious run at the NFC crown in 2025. Granted, they were handily beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship, but they still made it.

The Commanders might be a few pieces from contending once again, and though they have allowed Allen to leave — they have plenty of pieces to replace him.

For now, Allen can sign with a new team immediately considering he has been released. Like Alex Cappa being signed mere days after being let go by the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen could be well on his way to finding a new team before the league year begins.

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For more on the Commanders, head to Newsweek Sports.