The biggest surprise of the Washington Commanders' 2024 draft class was the selection of Jer'Zhan "Johhny" Newton. That's because a) he was considered by many to be a top-25 player in the class and b) the Commanders have the NFL's best defensive tackle duo in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Meaning, DT wasn't a priority, whatsoever.
The immediate -and logical- thought that came to mind was how head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. plan on utilizing Newton, who is projected to play 3T in the NFL. That's the same position both Allen and Payne play, although they've also logged plenty of snaps over tackle and on certain occasions - nose.
Commanders general manger Adam Peters said recently Quinn has a vision when it comes to getting all three players on the field in a substantial role, which has to be a scary thought for opposing offensive lines and offenses, in general.
"Those guys [Allen and Payne] are great examples to follow in terms of how they are as pros - the way they work, the way they go about their business," Peters said on a recent episode of Commanders.com's Command Center. "So, anytime you can have that situation, it's awesome. Johnny's already pretty close to being like that, but to learn from those two guys, and really everybody else in the room, we have a lot of really good pros in that room.
"So, that, and then we can get them all on the field at the same time. That's what's really cool. DQ has a vision to get them all on the field at the same time. So it's not like he's going to be a backup and not playing a whole lot. He's going to get on the field. He's going to play [and] we're going to rotate those guys [in order to] keep those guys fresh so they [can] get after it, too."
There is curiosity within the league, however, about how this actually plays out and the main focus is on Allen. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, people are wondering aloud if Newton's presence puts the Commanders in a spot where they entertain trade offers for Allen, or restructure his contract.
Newton has first-round ability but was recovering from a Jones fracture of his right foot during the pre-draft process. Having three talented tackles is hardly a bad thing, but a few league execs are wondering if Washington will ever consider offers for Allen, who is due $15.4 million this year and $16.5 million next, below market for high-end tackles.
The people I've talked to believe Washington will need to either rework his contract eventually or decide whether it will entertain trade interest, which it has rebuffed in the past. But, for now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field. - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
The most logical route is a restructure
I highly doubt, especially based off Peters' comments, that Washington trades Allen. Unless they just receive some incredible package they can't turn down - which also doesn't seem likely, at this point.
In the end, a restructure isn't a bad thing, at all. Unless it's a pay cut, of course, and it doesn't seem like that's what Fowler is talking about. A restructure is simply giving a player more money up front. Now, that could have implications on the hypothetical player's future down the line, but Allen's contract is up after 2025, so it's not like he has multiple years in question after 2024. Releasing him before he turns 31 in 2026 would be better for him, anyway.
There's also the Commanders' future cap situation to consider, which is just fine. They have the league's third- and sixth-highest amount of cap room in 2025 and 2026, so there won't be a reason to make adjustments unless they're necessary. Especially with Jayden Daniels on a cheap deal.
Overall, it'd be a major surprise if Allen is traded and a restructure doesn't mean he's getting cut, at all. I'd expect the Commanders to boast quite the rotation at defensive tackle in 2024 and even in 2025.
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