Surprising NFC Team May Trade for $72 Million Pro Bowler

Surprising NFC team the Chicago Bears may trade for $72 million Pro Bowler and Washington Commander defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen this offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team may be nearing a crossroads of a contract extension and many executives wonder if they’ll entertain any trade offers. However, some say the Commanders must rework Allen’s contract or contact a trade partner to give the deal he wants. The Bears may inquire about Allen’s services considering that the team’s biggest need is the defensive tackle position.

Head Coach Matt Eberflus may consider the Alabama product since it would serve well in the 4-3 defense with the three-technique. Creating more interior pressure for Eberflus’ defense is key since Justin Jones left the team to sign with the Arizona Cardinals. Jones was leading the charge with 4.5 sacks so they needed to find a replacement to help the defensive line. However, the trade could happen considering that the Commanders were able to trade Montez Sweat last offseason.

This would be the right time for the Commanders to trade him if they’re not considering paying him a market-level extension. Re-signing Allen would mean tying up a lot of money for the Commanders even though they do have the money. However, they already handed Daron Payne a four-year, $90 million deal so it would be impossible to pay both in the future. The team was able to draft Illinois defensive tackle, Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He’s someone who can take over as a starter if Allen departs. However, a report said that he’s going into surgery to repair his foot. It probably won’t be a while until Allen departs the team in a trade. The Commanders will have replacements ready if it happens.

Surprising NFC Team Chicago Bears May Trade for $72 Million Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen

Could The Trade Happen?

According to Over The Cap, the Bears have just under $23 million in cap space this year. They may have to get creative about making his contract work, he has a cap hit for $21.3 million this season for the Commanders. The two-time Pro Bowler had a solid campaign last year, amassing 53 total tackles including 10 for loss, 19 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks. He’s become a solid disruptor in the middle, netting 21.0 sacks over the past three seasons.

The Alabama product is durable and hasn’t missed more than one game in each of his last six seasons. He would help elevate the position and mentor second-years, Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens. This trade is more likely to happen than with any other team since Sweat is with the Bears. Chicago could negotiate the same they did when they made the Sweat trade happen.

It probably won’t happen until Allen’s contract is nearing an end. This would give the Commander’s new draft pick time to adjust. If they feel comfortable to move on from the Alabama product then they would. However, here are other potential team trade fits for Allen.

Potential Trade Fits for Allen

The Dallas Cowboys are still in need of a reliable defensive tackle after adding a late one in this year’s draft. Justin Rodgers probably isn’t the long-term solution so adding Allen would help someone like him. The Cowboys already lost many defensive pieces to the Commanders including Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong. Allen’s presence would make up for Johnathan Hankin’s departure to the Seahawks.

However, the Steelers may want to consider addressing the position since Cameron Heyward is entering the age of 35. He isn’t going to be playing much longer so Allen would be a reasonable replacement. It should give Pittsburgh a fresh start to pair with them. The position is also a need for the Saints but they weren’t able to select a defensive tackle until the sixth round of this year’s draft. Allen should be able to mentor Khristian Boyd which wouldn’t be the worst idea.