Details on Jonathan Allen’s new contract with Washington Football Team

Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen agreed to a 4-year, $72 million extension with the Washington Football Team, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The 26-year-old is entering his fifth NFL season with the team that drafted him No. 17 overall in 2017. Allen will not hit free agency until 2026 after signing the deal.

Salary Cap

ESPN’s John Keim reported the salary cap details of the contract which starts in 2022. After receiving a $30 million signing bonus, Allen’s cap hit drops from $10 million to $7.1 million this season. In 2022, Allen’s hit rises to $9.5 million. It rises to $21.5 million in 2023 and 2024 before reaching $23 million in 2025.

Allen has been one of the most productive linemen in the NFL since entering the league in 2017. He has 202 tackles and 17 sacks in his career with 45 quarterback hits. The former Alabama star is joined on the Washington Football Team defense by college teammates Da’Ron Payne and Landon Collins.

Bonuses

The new deal includes a variety of bonuses, including up to $1 million in roster bonuses and a $500,000 workout bonus each year. Jonathan Allen’s new contract carries $35.6 million in guarantees and his 2023 salary of $14 million is fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year.

Allen had one of his best seasons in 2020-21, despite his lowest sack total since his rookie year. Under head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, he transitioned from left defensive end to right defensive tackle. The move came as part of a complete overhaul on defense. The team pivoted from the 3-4 setup of the past regime to a 4-3 under the new staff.

Penalties

The Washington Football Team is also wagering on Allen’s future success. In addition to the guaranteed money offered to Allen, the team faces big cap penalties if he is cut. The dead cap charges would start at $26 million in 2022 and $18 million in 2023. The number drops to $12 million in 2024 and $6 million in 2025.

Jonathan Allen’s new contract extension allows the Washington Football Team to continue building around its young defensive core. Allen and Payne are joined up front by 2020 defensive rookie of the year Chase Young and third-year player Montez Sweat. The team invested further in the defense this offseason by drafting Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis in the first round and signing former Bengals corner William Jackson III.

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