Former Commanders star sends statement after being released from team

Jonathan Allen’s emotional farewell marks the end of an eight-year run with the Commanders.

Dec 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) before the game between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

After eight seasons with the Washington Commanders, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has been released, allowing him to hit free agency. The move ends a long-standing relationship after the Commanders failed to find a trade partner willing to take on Allen's contract.

Earlier this month, the Commanders granted Allen permission to seek a trade after informing him they would not extend his contract. Allen was entering the final year of his deal with a $15.5 million base salary and no guaranteed money remaining.

Allen's production and durability made him a key piece on the Washington defense. In 108 starts, he recorded 42 sacks. Before last season, Allen had been remarkably consistent, missing just three games over the previous six years.

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

On Friday, Allen took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell to the franchise and its fans. "It's never easy saying goodbye," he wrote. "This franchise is all I've ever known. It's been a part of my DNA for as long as I can remember, even before I was drafted here."

Allen, who was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 draft, played high school football in Ashburn, Virginia — the same city as the Commanders training facility. His connection to the team runs deep, making this goodbye even more bittersweet.

"It's been the truest honor of my life to have the privilege to wear 'Washington' across my chest for the last eight seasons. It's just different, if you know, you know," Allen wrote.

He closed his message with a nod to unfinished business: "All I ever wanted to do here is WIN. This fanbase deserves that, this organization deserves that, this community deserves that — and last season was truly just the beginning!"

Allen's departure marks the end of an era for the Commanders defense. While the Commanders turn the page, Allen's impact on the franchise will not be forgotten.

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