The Washington Commanders might receive an early Christmas gift when it comes to defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
According to ESPN’s John Keim on December 13, Allen, initially believed to be out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 6, could potentially return before the season ends.
“Allen sustained the injury during a Week 6 loss to Baltimore,” Keim reported. “However, during surgery, doctors discovered the muscle was only partially torn, sparking hope for a late-season comeback. Follow-up evaluations have helped maintain optimism, though no return is guaranteed. Sources say Allen has been training at the Commanders’ facility, aiming for a return by the end of the month, but he must prove he has fully regained his strength.”
Allen has been on injured reserve since October 16 and is in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract extension he signed in July 2021. He is set to earn $17 million in 2025.
Since Allen has already received the $33.1 million in guaranteed money from his deal, the Commanders could release him after this season, freeing up $17 million in cap space for 2025. Their projected cap space for that year already stands at an impressive $101.5 million.
Allen Placed on NFL All-Overpaid Team in Preseason
Before the 2024 season, Jonathan Allen was among three Commanders named to Bleacher Report’s NFL All-Overpaid Team by Alex Fowler. He was joined by offensive tackle Andrew Wylie and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who was released on November 30.
Allen’s name was frequently mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason after the Commanders selected Jer’Zhan Newton, an interior defensive lineman, in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, the team already has another highly-paid interior lineman in Daron Payne, who signed a four-year, $90 million deal.
“With a new regime in place, with no connections to the 29-year-old’s selection or contract extension, Washington might focus on the future with Payne and Newton while exploring options for Allen if his performance doesn’t meet expectations,” Fowler noted.
While Payne and Newton have been consistent this season, neither has delivered standout performances. Payne has recorded 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss, while Newton has contributed 30 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 3 tackles for loss.
Allen Has Been One of NFL’s Most Consistent Interior DL
The Commanders would gladly welcome Jonathan Allen back into their lineup. Through six games this season, Allen recorded 13 tackles and 2.0 sacks. Any additional firepower would be crucial as the team pushes to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Allen has been one of the NFL’s most reliable defensive tackles since being selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
Over the past six seasons, Allen has earned two Pro Bowl nods while averaging 62 tackles and 6.3 sacks per year. Remarkably durable, he has never missed more than two games in a single season during that span.
“Now in his eighth season, Allen has been a cornerstone of Washington’s defense since being drafted in 2017,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote. “He earned Pro Bowl honors after the 2021 and 2022 seasons, recording a combined 16.5 sacks over those years.”
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