Washington Commanders helmet (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Teams looking to bolster their defense ahead of mandatory minicamp may want to give Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters a call.

The Washington Commanders are entering a brand new era with Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders also happen to have one of the league’s best post-draft trade chips in veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some NFL executives believe two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen could be a trade candidate following the selection of Jer’Zhan Newton with the No. 36 pick:

“Newton has first-round ability but was recovering from a Jones fracture of his right foot during the pre-draft process. Having three talented tackles is hardly a bad thing, but a few league execs are wondering if Washington will ever consider offers for Allen, who is due $15.4 million this year and $16.5 million next, below market for high-end tackles.

The people I’ve talked to believe Washington will need to either rework his contract eventually or decide whether it will entertain trade interest, which it has rebuffed in the past. But, for now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field.”

Allen signed a four-year extension worth $72 million in the 2021 offseason after helping Washington to a surprise NFC East division crown. At the time, Washington boasted one of football’s top pass-rushing units led by Allen, Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

But Sweat and Young were dealt to the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, respectively. Sweat signed an extension with Chicago, and Young agreed to a one-year deal with the New Orleans in free agency.

The new-look Washington defense added defensive linemen Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu and safety Jeremy Chinn in free agency. We’ll find out soon enough if Allen will remain in DC, or if the Commanders will give him a fresh start before Week 1.

Allen Would Fetch A Nice Return For Washington Commanders

Jonathan Allen has posted six or more sacks in four of his seven NFL seasons. This included a career-high nine sacks in the 2021 season that garnered Allen his first Pro Bowl nod.

You can never have too many dynamic pass-rushers in today’s NFL. So Allen would definitely generate plenty of interest on the trade market. If Washington does trade Allen, they’ll get a nice return for the two-time Pro Bowler who’s still in his prime.