Commanders Trade Jonathan Allen? Why Washington Should Deal Pro Bowl DT

If the talented defensive tackle wants out of the Washington Commanders rebuild then trading him could help accelerate the process.

Jonathan Allen wasn't shy about his frustrations this season as the Washington Commanders played to just four wins, the second-lowest of his career.

His words have led to rampant speculation about what the Commanders might do with the seven-year pro and two-time Pro Bowler, including a speculated trade with the Green Bay Packers.

It seems the future for Allen and for Washington hinges on whether or not he wants to be part of it here, and what the franchise might get in return if it trades him. To the Packers or any other team.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) celebrates with Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) after a safety against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

ADDITION BY SUBTRACTION

There won't be many arguing the Commanders defense gets better without Allen, but the team's accounting ledger gets a little fuller if he leaves.

Allen counts for $21.4 million against the team's 2024 salary cap under his current deal and is still owed $12 million in guarantees via bonuses and other promised money. 

That's a difference of $9.4 million Washington would save in a trade that sends Allen elsewhere for NFL Draft capital only. Of course, the net gain would be slightly lower due to another contract coming up into the Top 51 values the team has to account for against the salary cap in the offseason.

While the Commanders aren't exactly cash-strapped these days, inflating the team's cap space to north of $92 million is more than enough money for new general manager Adam Peters to make some moves.

BUILDING BLOCKS

Speaking of Peters, he told us during his introductory press conference he's looking to build the team through the NFL Draft while supplementing the roster through free agency. 

This makes draft picks all the more valuable, and getting at least a second-round pick from a team like the Packers - as Bleacher Report recently suggested they might - would be interesting. 

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The second-round pick Green Bay would send over would be No. 41 and follow the No. 40 pick that Washington already owns.

Based on current projections, prospects like Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie, Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II, Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, and Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson could be available there.