Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) is hit by Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders Projected To Trade Jonathan Allen For 2 Draft Picks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Richie Whitt | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 1:57 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are allowing Jonathan Allen to seek a trade. Now one NFL analyst believes they have identified a partner with a need for the former Pro Bowl defensive lineman.

The Arizona Cardinals have many needs on the defensive side of the ball entering the 2025 offseason, mainly along the defensive line. They are equipped with draft capital and salary cap space to address their issues.

Enter, the Commanders.

In an article pitching potential trades for defensive stars around the NFL, Bleacher Report suggests the Cardinals trade their fourth-round pick in next month's NFL Draft and a sixth-rounder in 2026 to the Commanders in exchange for Allen.

Getting two picks for a player who no longer fits in Dan Quinn's scheme or in Washington's budget feels like a win-win for Washington.

Allen has been a steady performer during his eight years, but last year was limited to only eight games because of injuries. Since his second Pro Bowl in 2022 - when he had 7.5 sacks - he's been a player in decline.

Though the price of this projected trade seems high, the Cardinals might be willing to pay it. In 2024 they were allowed 4.6 yards per rush, eighth-worst in the league. They also had one of the NFL's worst pass-rush pressure rates at just 19 percent according to Pro Football Reference.

The Commanders are set along their defensive line with Daron Payne and Jer'Zhan Newton at tackles, though they do need to re-sign Dante Fowler to pair with Dorance Armstrong at end.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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