The Washington Commanders reportedly informed star defensive tackle Jonathan Allen that he was being released. But, why are the runners-up in the NFC cutting ties with Allen?
Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, was limited to eight games last season due to a torn left pectoral muscle. He tallied 19 total tackles (three for loss), along with three sacks and seven quarterback hits on 301 defensive snaps.
The 30-year-old will hit the open market after playing seven seasons in Washington.
Why Did The Commanders Release Jonathan Allen?
It always comes down to money, right? The Commanders decided to part ways with Allen in an effort to save $16.5 million against the salary cap. Washington will look to Daron Payne and Johnny Newton to fill the void at defensive tackle.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first person to report Allen’s impending release. By doing it now, Allen can get a jump-start on free agency and, hopefully, find a new home.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. He was once viewed as one of the top-ranked interior defenders in the entire NFL, highlighted by back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022.
He registered 42 sacks and 118 quarterback hits in 109 career games for the Commanders.
Commanders informed two-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen today that he is being released, per sources. The team is allowing Allen to hit free agency early, and he now is expected to be one of the top DTs on the market. pic.twitter.com/9UYB83v8BH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025
Allen worked his tail off to return to action in 2024 after undergoing surgery on his torn pectoral muscle. He suffered the injury in Week 6, then came back in Week 17 and played in three postseason games including the NFC Championship Game.
“I mean, I’d be lying if I said it was easy,” Allen told The Athletic in late January. “But if it was easy, everybody would do it. Pec or no pec, everybody at this point in the season is beat up and hurt and playing through something.
“So just being able to fight back and come back in 2.5 months and be a part of this special run has been well worth any of the pain or hard choices I had to make.”
Commanders Rolling with Daron Payne, Johnny Newton
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is known for his trademark toughness on the defensive side of the ball. His teams embody his fearless message: “Anybody. Anywhere. Anytime.”
The Commanders ranked No. 13 in total defense in 2024, finishing with the third-best pass defense in the NFL while surrendering 327.9 total yards per game. They gave up 23.8 points per game, and their 43 team sacks ranked No. 11.
Jonathan Allen grew up a Washington fan and spent eight seasons playing for his favorite team. With his release, Washington saves $16.5M against the salary cap as they move forward with Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. https://t.co/p7IzA7KmB9
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 7, 2025
With Allen now leaving in free agency, Payne and Newton will be counted on to step into his shoes. Payne, a first-round pick (13th overall) in 2018, was rewarded with a four-year contract worth $90 million in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder has registered 34 sacks and 386 combined tackles in 115 career games.
Newton, a second-round pick in 2024, started 11 games last season for the Commanders. He finished with two sacks and 44 total tackles. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder will be entering the second year of his four-year rookie deal.
Sheldon Day, Viliami Fehoko Jr, and Norell Pollard round out Washington’s depth chart at defensive tackle.