2025 NFL free agency: Jonathan Allen signing with Minnesota Vikings on three-year deal

The Minnesota Vikings are signing veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen to a three-year, $60 million deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Allen, 30, receives a pay raise after his release from the Washington Commanders earlier this month. He was entering the final year of his deal with a $15.5 million base salary and no more guaranteed money remaining. The Commanders attempted to trade Allen, the 2017 first-round pick out of Alabama, but instead released him into the free agent market. The Commanders saved $16.3 million in cap space by releasing Allen.

“He’s another person who has been a great Commander, a great person for this franchise,” Commanders general manager Adam Peters said last month. “He’s going into the last year of his deal, and… wanted to be able to explore other opportunities.”

Allen was a mainstay along the Commanders defensive line. He’s been through some tough seasons and a couple of name changes, but Allen finally enjoyed a taste of success this past season in Jayden Daniels’ first go-round as the team’s quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings make big move in signing Jonathan Allen

Allen has made the Pro Bowl twice, and he’s accumulated 401 total tackles, 42 sacks, and two forced fumbles throughout his eight seasons in the NFL. His best season came in 2021 when Allen racked up a career-high nine sacks. 

Allen does come with injury concerns after partially tearing his left pectoral muscle, which kept him out for a majority of the 2024 regular season. However, Allen provided a huge boost to the team once he returned, helping them win two playoff games before eventually falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. 

Allen fills a major need on Minnesota’s defensive line, with Jonathan Bullard and Jerry Tillery hitting free agency this week. The Vikings already have one of the league’s best defenses and now, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has another quality player to work with in Allen.