Commander Country

Commanders' former star named biggest free agency loss

Jonathan Allen's absence from the Washington Commanders will be felt.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images / Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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The Washington Commanders selected Jonathan Allen eight years ago in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

Allen grew into one of the best defenders of this era in franchise history, logging eight seasons with the team. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings shortly after being cut by the Commanders.

Sports Illustrated writer Ryan Phillips believes that Allen is the biggest loss for the Commanders so far during free agency.

READ MORE: Ex-Commanders star’s remark after signing with Vikings sounds like jab at Washington

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Allen is biggest loss for Commanders

"A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen found a big contract when the Vikings handed him $51 million over three years this offseason. The 30-year-old only played in eight games during the 2024 campaign as a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him. Allen has fallen off a bit since his most recent Pro Bowl season in 2022 but is still a formidable presence up front," Phillips writes.

The Commanders replaced Allen by signing Javon Kinlaw from the New York Jets, hoping that he will be able to replace the longest-tenured defensive player on the roster.

READ MORE: Jayden Daniels picks 4 Commanders teammates for his dream soccer squad

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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