Key Takeaways:
– Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders’ defensive tackle, might be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, suggests Alex Ballentine.
– Allen has previously voiced his frustration with the Commanders’ losing streak.
– Allen has two more seasons left on a 4-year, $72 million contract.
– Recent moves by the Commanders indicate that he might be let go.
– The Eagles are known for valuing their defensive line, making a potential Allen trade a strategic move.
High Trade Possibility for Commanders’ Jonathan Allen
There’s an air of uncertainty around the future of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen with the Washington Commanders. Speculations have increased after Allen showed his dissatisfaction with a losing streak at the end of the 2023 4-13 campaign. Additionally, recent moves and a surprising trade proposition by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report hint at a potential trade sending Allen to the Commanders’ old-time rivals—the Philadelphia Eagles.
Inter-Division Trades are Rare but Sensible
While inter-division trades aren’t the norm, they do occur sporadically when a deal is beneficial for both sides. In his report, Ballentine pointed out the Eagles’ priority for their defensive line, and their penchant for capitalizing on every chance to enhance their pass rush. He added that bringing on a player of Allen’s stature could only be a significant upgrade.
Allen, aged 29, is currently under contract with the Commanders – a four-year, $72 million deal which extends for two more seasons.
Fresh Commanders’ Moves Cast Doubt on Allen’s Position
A closer glance at the Commanders’ recent activities around the interior defensive line indicates that Allen might become expendable. This idea comes as the Commanders show a shift in focus by signing Daron Payne to a four-year, $90 million extension and drafting Jer’Zhan Newton, a new defensive tackle from Illinois.
Under a newly established front office and coaching staff, there could be hesitations about fulfilling the remaining two years of Allen’s current extension, which includes cap hits of $21.4 and $23 million in those years.
Could the Eagles’ Bet Pay Off?
If the Eagles indeed secure Allen’s services, it would come as a savvy move. Nonetheless, it presents a contrast from their recent actions – as they picked defensive tackles in the first round of NFL drafts in 2022 and 2023. While both players have yet to show high-level performances, securing Allen could significantly increase their defensive prowess.
Despite having Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, the Eagles could benefit from a high-caliber player like Allen next to Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox.
Commanders’ Defense Underwent Massive Transformation
The Commanders have channelled significant investments into their defense after a dismal performance ranking worst in the NFL in 2023. They recently brought in Dan Quinn, a defensive-minded head coach who previously won a Super Bowl coordinating Seattle Seahawks’ defense in 2013, and spent the past three seasons at Dallas Cowboys.
Washington cemented a robust defense by drafting a prospective star cornerback Mike Sainristil and signing key free agents including linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and safety Jeremy Chinn.
Given these factors, moving Allen to another team such as the Eagles may present the right move for the Commanders at the right time. This growing speculation surrounding Allen’s future suggests that the coming NFL season could see a significant reshuffling of player rosters.