The Washington Commanders were looking to strengthen their roster in order to get closer to or potentially surpass the Philadelphia Eagles next time around. Unfortunately, those plans did not include veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

It didn’t take long for speculation to emerge regarding Allen’s future once Washington’s memorable run to the NFC Championship game ended. The former first-round pick had one year and no more guaranteed money on his deal. His performance levels regressed despite his exceptional locker-room leadership remaining. All parties opted to go their separate ways in some capacity.

Allen handed in a trade request. This was granted by general manager Adam Peters, but teams were reluctant to part ways with draft capital when the chances of the two-time Pro Bowler being released were high.

That’s what happened. The Commanders did right by Allen, cutting ties just before the legal tampering window. This gave the Alabama graduate a head start on negotiations and choosing his next destination rather than being forced somewhere he might not have wanted to go.

Allen wasn’t out of employment for long, signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings that included a $14 million signing bonus and $31.25 million guaranteed. That represents a fantastic payday considering his performance levels over the last two years.

The Commanders will move forward with a defensive tackle trio of Johnny Newton, Daron Payne, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw. Peters believes this can provide the bigger-bodied spark needed to counteract the NFL’s elite offensive lines. As for Allen? He’ll be a focal point on Brian Flores’ 3-4 defensive front as the Vikings look to build on a promising 2024 campaign.

Jonathan Allen praises Commanders for handling his exit with class

Allen got brutally honest when speaking about his Commanders’ departure during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He acknowledged that he’d fallen out of favor, and there was nothing he could do about it. However, the interior force praised those in power for handling his departure with complete class and respect.

“I mean, in the NFL, it’s very hard to play your entire career on one team. The new regime came in, they had a path that they wanted to follow and I wasn’t a part of that. You’ve got to give them a lot of credit for doing me a favor by releasing me when they did, but things just didn’t work out for whatever reason. Super, super excited to be on a new team and reunite with coach [Kevin] O’Connell.”

Jonathan Allen

This was the right way to handle things. It’s another example of the raised professionalism in the Commanders’ front office these days. Had this been the previous regime under the previous owner, things (probably) would have been different.

Allen gave a significant amount to Washington’s cause. He toiled through abject misery and underachievement. Frustrations threatened to boil over during Ron Rivera’s final season, but the respected veteran found a new lease of life when head coach Dan Quinn inspired a sensational culture shift across the board.

That ensured Allen finally had some happy on-field memories to take away from his stint in Washington. Even if it wasn’t enough to see out his contract.

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Player Overview

Mykel Williams didn’t have too far to go for college. The Columbus, Georgia, native was a standout high school player, putting together back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks and tackles for a loss. This earned him four- and five-star grades from recruiting services and a lot of attention from schools. He rejected offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson and many others to stay in-state and play for Georgia.

Williams first season for the Bulldogs was impactful. He started just two of Georgia’s 15 games, but he led the team in QB hurries with 31. This, along with 4.5 sacks and 28 tackles, led to Williams getting Freshman All-American recognition. Williams’ production dipped a bit the following year, but he still led the team in sacks. In the first game of his final season, Williams suffered an Grade 2 ankle sprain. Over the next several games, he played limited snaps. He was still able to be second on the team with five sacks, getting two of those in Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC Championship game.

Strengths

• Ideal size for 4-3 defensive end
• Strong enough to hold the point of attack and shed blockers in the run game
• Flashes good hand swipes to win around the edge
• Length and power allows him to walk back blockers
• Great motor, consistently fighting to get to the ball

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent get-off at the snap
• Limited pass rush moves and ability to string them together
• Lack of bend around edge allows blockers to recover
• Pad level is inconsistent; can be too upright in his rush