Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, is a competitive player who may be a trade candidate in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Life in the NFL never really slows down, not even during the summer. The main events are still free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, but teams are increasingly willing to trade players for veterans and draft picks. Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle with the Washington Commanders, is an underrated trade candidate, despite the possibility of multiple moves in the upcoming weeks.
The team selected the two-time Pro Bowler in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and over the course of his career, he has proven to be one of the more dependable players at his position. But now that he’s going into his 29th season, the product of Alabama wants to start winning games. This much was clear from his expletives-filled outburst during the previous season, and Jonathan Allen would likely be happy to be traded to a successful team.
The Washington Commanders made significant free agency purchases, but they are still a ways off from being serious contenders. Since the NFL is ultimately a quarterback-driven league, the Commanders’ next quarterback will need to start strong in order to lead this team to the postseason. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, a trade including Jonathan Allen would not only free up financial space and contribute a draft pick to Washington’s rebuild, but it would also enable the defensive tackle to pursue a ring.
Jonathan Allen May Be Considered For A Trade
For the sake of complete transparency, it is imperative to mention that the focus of Davenport’s piece is on players who are worthy of a trade but are unlikely to happen. Although Davenport notes that “there has been nothing to indicate the Commanders are shopping Allen,” there are many reasons why the Washington Commanders should trade Jonathan Allen.
This is a little unexpected because Jonathan Allen ought to be able to bring in a respectable trade price. The defensive tackle is an above-average force against the run and the pass, and even if he’s not Chris Jones, a number of contenders could use a player like him on their roster. As long as Daron Payne is available, Washington’s defensive line should be strong even without Allen, and the cap space and draft pick acquired will likely be worth more in the long run than Allen’s temporary loss.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the market for a Jonathan Allen deal could heat up. There aren’t enough good players for every team in the league, so they’re all looking for cost-controlled talent. In light of this, should these teams pass on their desired prospects, they may turn their attention to Allen.
Potential Locations
Dolphins of Miami
Following Christian Wilkins’ departure in free agency, the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line is noticeably lacking. Wilkins’ loss is most likely the largest, even though the squad has lost a number of important players in recent weeks. While they might attempt to solve this hold by selecting Byron Murphy or Jer’Zhan Newton in the NFL Draft, Jonathan Allen could make a deal that would have an instant impact. Miami’s time for a title is rapidly closing, so this squad could prefer the assurance of a quality veteran.
Rams of Los Angeles
With Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner at defensive tackle, the Los Angeles Rams were supposed to have an unbeatable tandem. But now that Donald has retired, the Rams will have to find a replacement to play in the middle of their defense. No one can replicate Donald’s output on their own; he was the best defensive player of his generation. Having stated that, Jonathan Allen is most likely the greatest choice on the trade market. The Rams may again look to the NFL Draft, but Allen seems like a better option. This team might benefit from having a seasoned veteran like Allen take over for Matthew Stafford, who is not getting any younger.
Saints of New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints are interested in trading for Jonathan Allen because they think they are a contender. As a rookie, Bryan Bresee had some promise, but Allen is a far superior player right now in their respective careers. While the veteran helps bring out the best in the former first-round choice of the Saints, Allen and Bresee can make a potent defensive interior in the short run.
Chargers of Los Angeles
With Justin Herbert at quarterback, any club, even without wide receivers, can make a deep playoff run. Jim Harbaugh is a coach from the old school who feels that players win and lose in the trenches. It just so happens that the Chargers haven’t had a trustworthy defensive tackle in years. The addition of Jonathan Allen can significantly strengthen the defensive line, and Harbaugh will likely look to trade for one of the most crucial positions in the game.
