Report: Washington Commanders grant DT Jonathan Allen permission to seek trade

In a surprising bit of news, the Washington Commanders have granted defensive tackle Jonathan Allen permission to seek a trade, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

“[Washington Commanders] DT Jonathan Allen — who has one year remaining on his deal — was informed by the franchise that he has permission to seek a trade, per sources,” Schultz posted on X, regarding the star defender.

Since being drafted by the franchise in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former No. 17 overall pick has been a mainstay along the Commanders defensive line. He’s been through some tough seasons and a couple of name changes, but he finally enjoyed a taste of success this past season in Jayden Daniels’ first go-round as the team’s quarterback. 

Allen has made the Pro Bowl twice, and he’s accumulated 401 total tackles, 42 sacks and two forced fumbles throughout his time in the league. If he does get traded from Washington this offseason, it certainly won’t be for cheap, as he’s become one of the premier defensive lineman in the entire NFL.

He dealt with an injury this past season, partially tearing his left pectoral muscle, and that kept him out for a majority of the 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. 

Reading the tea leaves, Allen’s potential departure could signal a continued interest in Myles Garrett from the Commanders. The superstar pass rusher from the Cleveland Browns requested a trade earlier this offseason, and Washington has been floated as a destination. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and unloading Allen and his contract would make a trade much more feasible.

Garrett, the former No. 1 pick for the Browns in 2017, just finished his eighth season in Cleveland and was as impactful as ever. He posted 47 tackles, with a career and league-high of 22 being for loss, and 14 sacks, which was second-most in the league. He could help transform the Commanders from a rising team to a Super Bowl contender.

All told, it’ll be fascinating to see whether the Commanders commit to trading Jonathan Allen, and if it turns into them landing Myles Garrett when it’s all said and done. The former Alabama star still has some gas left in the tank at 30-years old, so expect teams to come calling for the defensive tackle.