The offseason will kick into another gear when free agency opens next week. The legal tampering period will open on Monday, and the official league year starts at 3 p.m. CST.
Before that gets rolling, teams are cutting players to create extra cap space. On Friday, the Washington Commanders released defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Commanders informed two-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen today that he is being released, per sources. The team is allowing Allen to hit free agency early, and he now is expected to be one of the top DTs on the market. pic.twitter.com/9UYB83v8BH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025
Commanders Cut Veteran Defensive Lineman Jonathan Allen
Days before free agency starts, the Commanders decided it was time to move from the two-time Pro Bowler. Last week, Washington permitted Allen to seek a trade with one year left on his deal but there were no takers.
Allen had a $22.3 million hit in 2025, and teams didn't want to give up draft compensation while having to pay him that number. Although Dan Quinn has only been in Washington for one season, losing a former Pro Bowl defender is never easy.
Last season, Allen suffered a torn pectoral that limited him to eight games. Prior to going down, the Alabama product wasn't as productive as fans were accustomed to seeing. In 2024, Allen finished with 19 total tackles, seven QB hits, and three sacks.
According to PFF, he logged a 54.6 overall grade (119th among 219 eligible defenders) and a 41.3 run-defense grade (178th among 219 eligible defenders). Ultimately, the Commanders wanted to move forward with Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton at DT.
Cowboys fans hope that this loss will negatively affect the Commanders in 2025. This past season, they went 12-5 under Quinn and made it to the NFC Championship Game.
He caught lightning in a bottle and took complete advantage of his opportunity. Besides that success, Dallas would love to see that team take a step back. We'll have to see how much this loss will affect them, but losing a Pro Bowler is never ideal.