With general manager Adam Peters in tow and a head coach on the way, wholesale changes are bound to take place for the Washington Commanders before they take the field for the first time next season.
Washington has the most cap space in the NFL and the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is one of their five in the top 100, and it could add even more if Peters opts for a rebuild and trades veterans for more draft capital. Among the players who could be on the move is Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. In a Bleacher Report article that predicted trades that could shape the offseason, it had Allen being traded to the Green Bay Packers for a second (No. 41) and fourth-round (No. 125) pick.
"Allen had openly expressed frustration with how the Commanders were faring during a trying 2023 campaign," Bleacher Report writes. "He's previously admitted that despite growing up as a fan of the team in Virginia, he's given thought to playing elsewhere and wants to be part of a winning franchise. While he hasn't officially requested a trade, it's possible he won't have to if the team implements a full-blown rebuild."
Allen, 29, had 5.5 sacks last season plus 10 quarterback hits and 19 tackles for loss. Allen's numbers are comprable to Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams. Seattle sent a second and fifth-round pick to the New York Giants for Williams who is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Allen's contract is also relatively easy to move, as he has two years and $29.5 million remaining on a four-year $72 million contract that he signed in 2022.
For the Packers, who shocked many with their dominant 48-32 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round and pushed the No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers to the brink in a 24-21 loss in the Divisional Round, trading for Allen would fill a huge hole in their defense. The Packers allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game (128.3) in 2023.
For both teams, this deal makes plenty of sense. Green Bay has two second-round picks, so giving up one wouldn't kill its draft capital. The Packers are also well-positioned with the emergence of quarterback Jordan Love to go all-in after reaching the playoffs in his first season as the starter.
The Commanders' focus is on the future, and if they can acquire more high draft picks, they shouldn't hesitate. Having six picks in the top 100, including four in the first two rounds will give Peters plenty of ammo to quickly rebuild the franchise. Along with the picks, Allen will get what he wants with playing for a contender.
Rarely do trades work out well for both teams. In this instance, if Allen can continue to play at the level he has for most of his career, it'd be a win for the Commanders and Packers if this deal came to fruition.
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