Every week of the NFL season, ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler publish a joint column checking in around the NFL. The duo previews the week ahead, fantasy football, the coaching carousel and have begun looking ahead to the offseason.
In their latest column, Fowler and Graziano preview the upcoming free-agent class of quarterbacks and also predict this year’s Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey, the star cornerback, was traded last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins at the start of free agency.
Graziano’s prediction was Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams.
Fowler’s pick? Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
I’ll go Jonathan Allen. Washington’s Pro Bowl defensive tackle is not overly eager to withstand another rebuild, and I’ve heard that has been the case for a while now. Teams called on Allen’s availability at the trade deadline, but Washington wasn’t interested. It’s probably worth the Commanders — who could strip things down to the studs with a new coach and general manager pairing — looking into his value. His salary of $14 million (cap hit of $21.5 million) is reasonable for a player of his caliber.
When the Commanders traded defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the NFL trade deadline, there was also interest in Allen. However, the Commanders weren’t interested in moving him. As the losses continue to mount, Allen has grown increasingly frustrated.
After a Week 7 loss to the Giants, the usually mild-mannered and respectful Allen unleashed an expletive-laced tirade.
The day after, Allen was asked if he wanted to be traded, and he said no. Allen said he grew up in the Northern Virginia area as a fan of the franchise, and if he wanted to be moved, he would’ve asked.
However, after a blowout loss to Miami in Week 13, Allen showed frustration again. In an interview on the “Sports Junkies,” Allen acknowledged at times he’s thought about what it would be like playing elsewhere and that he wants to win. While he’d prefer to win in Washington, he doesn’t want to be a part of another rebuild.
Allen’s contract is moveable. And there will be a new regime. Whether Allen wants to be moved or not, he could be a prime trade candidate this offseason.