If a few things come into place during the regular season, the Chicago Bears might land a two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman.
Veteran DT Jonathan Allen of the Washington Commanders has been named to a list of NFL players who may soon demand a trade. If that happens, you can guarantee Bears general manager Ryan Poles will be on the phone, attempting to bring Allen to Chicago.
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report compiled a list of five players “who could request a trade next,” with Allen ranking near the top.
“Though he’s been a mainstay along the Commanders line since the organization spent a first-round pick on him in 2017, the play of running mate Daron Payne and the addition of 2024 second-rounder Johnny Newton could see Allen request to be moved,” Fowler wrote on August 20. He continued:
“Despite Allen’s many Pro Bowl choices, the squad has struggled to find success. Moving Allen affords an opportunity to add a premium pick and see Payne’s future alongside Newton, while John Ridgeway III provides depth.”
Could the Chicago Bears trade for Commanders DT Jonathan Allen?
Washington Commanders PR
In recent months, there has been increased speculation that the Commanders may trade Allen.
ESPN source Jeremy Fowler said in May 2024 that the Commanders will have a major decision to make about Allen, who inked a four-year, $72 million contract extension with Washington in 2021. He has two years remaining on that contract and is owed $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025.
“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,” Fowler wrote on Friday, May 7.
The Commanders have a new management in place, including a new head coach, defensive-minded Dan Quinn. It’s unclear how valuable Allen will be under Quinn’s scheme, but based on previous statements, the veteran DT may not want to rebuild.
Allen Has Stated He Doesn’t Want to Go ‘Through Another Rebuild’
In a December 2023 interview with 106.7 The Fan, Allen was asked if he ever contemplated leaving Washington.
“One thousand percent,” he said. “Well, I would be lying if I said I didn’t. I play this game to win, and while I would love to win here, my main goal is to win,” Allen said. “That’s always going to be at the front and centre of my mind and everything I’m going to be doing in my career is going to make sure I’ll have an opportunity to win.”
Allen, 29, has never won the Super Bowl. Since being picked in Round 1 by Washington in 2017, the squad has only played one playoff game (losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round in 2021). He is recognized as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, having been selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022.
“I’m not in the business of going through another rebuild, but again, who knows what the future holds?” added the other man.
Thus, how the Commander begins the 2024 regular season appears critical. If the club starts slow and loses a few games, dealing Allen appears to be a better choice.
Bears Insider: The team will likely be looking for DTs soon.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are currently examining the defensive lineman position.
“I imagine the Bears will be keeping a close eye on defensive tackles hitting the waiver wire or veterans who are cut and immediately become free agents,” Biggs wrote on Sunday, August 21. “The Bears always could flip a late-round pick for a player if it’s someone they project as a rotational backup.”
The Bears have failed to add another DT after veteran Justin Jones left last offseason, and they will most likely rely on Gervon Dexter to step up in 2024. Looking for cheap aid through the waiver makes sense.
Still, if Allen requests a trade, the Bears must be among the favourites to acquire him. Allen totaled 53 tackles (10 for loss), 5.5 sacks, and 19 quarterback hits in 16 games last season. That kind of performance would greatly benefit Chicago’s defensive line.
At this time, it’s all speculation and rumours, but if you’re a Bears fan, Allen’s status is worth keeping an eye on this season.
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