5 top Jonathan Allen trade landing spots this offseason

Jonathan Allen has spent eight seasons with the Washington Commanders after becoming the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Yet, after the team selected Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Allen has become expendable in Washington thanks to the additional presence of Daron Payne.

Now, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Commanders have already held trade discussions centered around Allen this offseason. Allen has just one year and $15 million remaining on his contract. The 30-year-old is expected to not only be traded to a contender but also land a new contract once he’s with his new team.

Yet, which team should trade for the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle? Here’s a quick list of five potential trade suitors for Allen this offseason.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins last offseason, and they’ve missed his interior presence ever since. Yet, trading for Allen and handing him a new contract would cost much less than the massive four-year, $110 million agreement Wilkins signed. Allen is only one year older than Wilkins, yet he has nearly twice as many sacks (42 compared to 22.5). After being limited to just eight games last season due to injury, Allen won’t command nearly as much as Wilkins at the contract negotiation table.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have some decisions to make this offseason, but some of their players (Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson) could interest the Commanders during trade negotiations. It wouldn’t be that ridiculous if the Bengals tried dangling one of their stars in exchange for Allen as they look to rebuild their defense.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are expected to move on from Von Miller this offseason and could be looking to add more of an interior pass-rushing presence instead. If so, trading for Allen could be an ideal solution. Coming off a down season, the Bills shouldn’t have to cough up too much to trade for him and Buffalo would fit the criteria of helping Allen join a contender.

Houston Texans

The Texans don’t have to worry about finding an edge-rushing presence anymore with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson secured. Now they can focus on the defensive interior. While they may prefer more of a run-stuffer, adding another highly capable pass-rusher could make Houston one of the most feared front-sevens in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings trade for Jonathan Allen

The Vikings need multiple pieces on the defensive line but they only have four selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. They do have the benefit of having over $50 million in cap space and could easily absorb Allen’s $22 million cap hit for 2025. In fact, being willing to take on more salary should make it so the Vikings don’t have to part with too much of their precious draft capital to land the two-time Pro Bowl DT.