Following the Washington Commanders’ release of defensive end Jonathan Allen, the two-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year deal worth $51 million with the Minnesota Vikings.
Allen recently broke his silence on the end of his long tenure in Washington while also talking about his decision to sign with the Vikings. After playing in just eight games in 2024 due to injury, Allen hopes a culture shift — and a reunion with coach Kevin O’Connell — will help him get back to his Pro Bowl form.
Jonathan Allen Speaks on Departure From Washington Commanders
Eight years and 109 games later, Allen’s time in Washington ended when he was cut this offseason, making him a free agent. Washington drafted him at No. 17 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he spent his entire career with the team until now.
Allen has racked up 42 sacks, 60 tackles for loss, and 118 quarterback hits over his career. Those are solid numbers, but injuries kept him from fully living up to the Commanders’ expectations despite back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022.
Allen recently opened up on “The Rich Eisen Show” about his exit from Washington.
“New regime came in, they had a path they wanted to follow, and I wasn’t a part of that, so I mean gotta give them a lot of credit for doing me a favor by releasing me … ” Allen said.
The Commanders hired Adam Peters as their new general manager in January 2024. His first year included a surprising 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. But after the season ended, Peters decided to move on from Allen.
Allen gives Peters and the front office credit for letting him go early enough to explore his options. And from his comments, he doesn’t have any hard feelings toward the team that drafted him in the first round.
That wasn’t all Allen had to say, though. He also shifted focus to his new chapter. The veteran made it clear that his attention is now on the Vikings and said he’s fired up to get going in 2025.
Allen Excited To Join Minnesota Vikings
Allen joins the Vikings on a three-year deal and hopes to bounce back from a partially torn pec that cut his 2024 season short. He spoke about how thrilled he is to reunite with O’Connell and start fresh in Minnesota.
“But, super excited, super, super excited to be part of this new team and reunite with coach O’Connell.”
O’Connell started his coaching career in Washington when he became the offensive coordinator in 2019 (Allen’s third season). Allen clearly understands the type of culture O’Connell brings to a team and seems to value it. Now, the coach is hoping Allen can bring that same level of pressure he once saw up close back in Washington.
Allen’s signing brings significant upside for a Vikings defense that’s needed a strong interior presence for years. But with Allen turning 30 and coming off injury, the question remains: Does he still have enough left in the tank to be a force on Minnesota’s defensive line?