Will this year be the end of Jonathan Allen‘s Commanders era? Well, it looks like it. The Commanders turned out to be the underdogs this season, thrashing the Lions in the divisional round. In 2024, they made it to the playoffs after a gap of three seasons. So now, as the team prepares their squad for another battle coming up, they are making some roster moves. And in their latest move, they might be parting ways with their defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

So, back in 2017, when the Commanders were called the Washington Redskins, Allen, coming straight from Alabama, was drafted by Washington in the first round. He was still on his rookie contract when the team signed an extension with the Alabama alum in 2021. Now, with a year left on Jonathan’s $72 million deal, there is no extension this time. Washington has given their defensive star trade permission. And Kevin O’Connell‘s team, as per rumors, could be his new home.

These days, Indianapolis is the new center for reporters digging into NFL updates. All the coaches and GMs are in the city for this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. On Tuesday, Commanders GM Adam Peters appeared before the media to drop some updates on the team’s offseason carousel. Talking about Jonathan Allen, Peters shared that the team has given the defensive lineman and his agent permission to explore trade options.

“We just talked about it and said they wanted to be able to explore opportunities… Really, everything’s still on the table in terms of whether it’s trade or staying here or whatever. We’re still going through that. It’s kind of early in the stages.” The 30-year-old had to miss a big part of the 2024 season after tearing his left pectoral muscle. Allen returned for the last few games, recording 19 tackles and three sacks in eight games.

So, as Dan Quinn and the front office may have made up their minds to part ways with their defensive player, the HC weighed in on what’s next for the Commanders. 

Jonathan Allen and the Commanders’ Next Move

“A true competitor … I’m talking about the guy that will do the extra, that will go fight for it. That just behind the rib cage is built differently.” That’s what Coach Quinn will be looking for as he recruits soldiers for the Commanders’ army this season.

There will also be intense pressure on Jayden Daniels, who will no longer be a rookie in the 2025 season. This year, NFL fans were eager to see two young QBs take the field – Daniels and Caleb Williams. The Commanders’ QB left everyone in awe, fighting like he was Maximus from Gladiator. The LSU alum racked up 3,568 yards while scoring 25 TDs this season. Talking about Jayden, Dan said, “One of the things that I love about him…constant improvement and going for it and getting better.”

Speaking of the Commanders’ upcoming season battle, it’s going to be different since Coach Quinn is no longer new to the team. Dan’s 2024 season was almost like a rookie year for him with the Commanders. But now, the HC knows his roster, what needs to be fixed, and where to place players within the system. “…That makes this week even more purposeful in a lot of ways. Because Adam [Peters] and I aren’t just picturing it. We’ve actually seen it,” said Quinn. 

And as for Jonathan Allen, so far, only the Vikings have been linked to him. But, a few other teams, like the 49ers and the Bills, could also be potential landing spots.