The Washington Commanders may have grabbed the steal of the draft in the second round by selecting defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler and longtime Commander, is in a vulnerable situation when Newton was drafted. According to ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler, there is general agreement among league officials that the Commanders should consider selling Allen.
The Commanders selected Jonathan Allen in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, Allen has been a fixture on the Commanders’ defensive line. However, Allen is getting older and has already shown unhappiness with the team’s inability to win games. A team like the Chicago Bears, who are poised to compete in the NFC, could be interested in Allen’s services.
Chicago Bears Could Trade For Jonathan Allen
Why the Bears Would Be Interested
For starters, the Bears have dramatically improved their roster since the end of last season. The only real concern for the Bears right now is their defensive line. Head Coach Matt Eberflus emphasizes the significance of having a powerful three-technique defensive lineman, and Jonathan Allen can be that type of player for the Bears. Although defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is a potential talent, the Bears may improve their defensive line by adding a veteran who can make an immediate impact. Allen is an above-average defensive tackle who excels in both run defense and pass rush. Adding Allen to the Bears would stabilize the defense for the following few years, resulting in one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.
Potential Cost of Trading for Jonathan Allen
The Bears have what it takes to trade for a player like Jonathan Allen. Even with a large contract, the Bears still have plenty of cap space. In addition, the Bears could surrender either a third or one of their two second-round picks in 2025 to acquire Allen. The final element of the jigsaw is assessing if Allen would accept a pay cut to play in Chicago and whether he still has a few strong seasons left in him.
The Downside
Trading for Jonathan Allen at 29 is hazardous, especially given his high salary. In theory, he provides an immediate boost to the Bears. However, it is up to General Manager Ryan Poles to determine whether Allen’s influence merits the move. The Bears may prioritize providing Dexter important playing time to help him develop into the Bears’ defensive tackle for the next decade.
Outlook on a Potential Trade
In general, trading for Allen would be a positive move for the Bears. Because the Commanders have a strong defensive line, the Bears may be able to offer up less draft capital in a deal to acquire Allen. To put things in perspective, many supporters thought the Bears would never trade for Keenan Allen. Fast forward, and the Bears merely traded a fourth-round pick to get Keenan. So, if the Bears are serious about making a postseason push next season, watch for them to be interested in dealing for Jonathan Allen.
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