The Washington Commanders have officially released veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, concluding his eight-season tenure with the team. The announcement was made on March 7, 2025, after the organization was unable to secure a trade partner for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Allen, selected 17th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of Washington’s defensive line. Over 109 games, he amassed 401 tackles, 118 quarterback hits, and 42 sacks, placing him tenth on the franchise’s all-time sack list. His standout performances in the 2021 and 2022 seasons earned him consecutive Pro Bowl selections, during which he recorded a combined 16.5 sacks, including a career-high nine sacks in 2021.
The decision to release Allen follows unsuccessful attempts to trade him. Earlier this month, the Commanders granted Allen permission to seek a trade after informing him they would not extend his contract. Allen was entering the final year of his deal with a $15.5 million base salary and no guaranteed money remaining. By releasing him, the team frees up approximately $16.3 million in salary cap space, with a dead money charge of $6 million.
Allen’s 2024 season was marred by a torn left pectoral muscle sustained in Week 6, limiting him to eight games. Despite the injury, he made a remarkable comeback, returning for the final two regular-season games and contributing during Washington’s postseason run. He concluded the season with 19 tackles and three sacks.
Off the field, Allen has been a significant presence in the Washington community. He was the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, recognizing his efforts with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting homeless youth in the D.C. area.
Shortly after his release, Allen visited the Minnesota Vikings and agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract. The agreement, disclosed by Adam Schefter, marks a significant move for the Vikings as they bolster their defensive line.
In response to his release, Allen shared an emotional farewell on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his time with the franchise and its fans. “It’s never easy saying goodbye,” he wrote. “This franchise is all I’ve ever known. It’s been a part of my DNA for as long as I can remember, even before I was drafted here.” Allen, who played high school football in Ashburn, Virginia, where the Commanders’ training facility is located, added, “It’s been the truest honor of my life to have the privilege to wear ‘Washington’ across my chest for the last eight seasons.”
As the Commanders move forward, they will likely rely on Daron Payne, who remains under a lucrative contract, and second-year defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton, a second-round pick from Illinois who started 11 games during his rookie season. Allen’s departure marks a significant shift for Washington’s defense, closing a chapter on one of its most consistent and impactful players in recent years.
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