Jonathan Allen Reveals Reason for His Release
Jonathan Allen was a huge get for the Minnesota Vikings when free agency opened in early March after the Washington Commanders released the former first-rounder and two-time Pro Bowler before free agency opened. This was a huge addition because not only does Allen fill a considerable position of need for these Vikings, but the signing also does not affect the compensatory pick formula.
He will join forces with Brian Flores, Harrison Phillps, Jalen Redmond, and the other notable free agency acquisition, Javon Hargrave, for an absolutely beastly rotation on the defensive interior.
Jonathan Allen’s Early Football Years
Allen was selected 17th overall by Washington in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was considered a top-five prospect in his draft class until it came out that he was diagnosed with arthritis in one of his shoulders and underwent surgery on both just weeks before that year’s NFL Combine.
His college ball was played at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban, and he could swim in all of his collegiate accolades:
- 3x First-Team All-SEC (2014, 2015, 2016)
- 2015 CFP National Champion
- 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Best Defensive Player in CFB)
- 2016 Chuck Bednarik Award (CFB Defensive Player of the Year)
- 2016 Ted Hendricks Award (Best Defensive End in CFB)
- 2016 Lombardi Trophy (CFB player who best embodies the values and spirit of Vince Lombardi)
- 2016 Unanimous All-American
- 2016 SEC Defensive Player of the Year
Allen had a very solid first eight seasons in the NFL, racking up 401 tackles, 42 sacks, 5 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles (recovered both), and even an interception. He was named to the 2021 and 2022 Pro Bowls, amassing 26 tackles-for-loss and 17.5 tackles over that span. His 3-year/$51 million deal with the Vikings is the second major payday of his career, as he signed a 4-year/$72 million deal with the Washington Commanders in 2021.
Jonathan Allen Talks On His Washington Exit
A new regime came in, they had a path they wanted to follow, and I wasn’t a part of that. I gotta give them credit for doing me a favor by releasing me when they did.
Jonathan Allen did not speak ill of his former home, understanding that business is business and Washington wants to get younger as they already have another aging force in Da’ron Payne on the defensive line. Allen just didn’t fit into the puzzle financially or in the aspect of team-building, and that worked to his benefit.
He was also understanding that it is very difficult to play your entire NFL career with just one team, but stated “Things just didn’t work out for whatever reason, but I’m super excited—super, super excited—to be part of this new team.”
It’s likely bittersweet for Jonathan Allen. He grew up from a young age in Ashburn, VA, less than an hour from FedEx Field and about 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. He grew up a fan of that franchise and without a doubt dreamed of playing for his boyhood favorite team.
He was a large part in bursting the Commanders back into relevancy in 2024, but the Cinderella Run only made it to the NFC Championship where they got handled by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
