3 potential Commanders trade candidates entering 2024 training camp
As the Washington Commanders prepare for what they hope will be an exciting 2024 season under new head coach Dan Quinn, finding ways to strengthen the roster is a critical component of their plans. One way to improve is by identifying potential trade candidates entering the 2024 training camp.
It should be noted these are players the Commanders could trade, not ones they should trade. If the right offer comes along and it improves the organization moving forward, Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters has to consider it.
At the head of the list is defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Also, the Commanders might be able to find value in a deal involving wide receiver Jahan Dotson or linebacker Jamin Davis.
Would Commanders trade DT Jonathan Allen?
In the preseason or even early season, it’s extremely unlikely — unless a major contender came knocking with a pair of No. 1 draft picks. Since that won’t happen, the Commanders will likely roll with the 6-foot-3, 300-pound seven-year veteran.
Allen has totaled 39 sacks in his career, including totals of 9, 7.5 and 5.5 over the last three seasons. He’s also been consistent with tackle totals right around 60 for six years in a row. However, it should be noted that Allen’s 2023 total of 53 tackles was the lowest mark of his career outside of his five-game rookie season in 2017.
At 29 years old, he should still have something left in the tank. His name recognition as a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2021-22) would bring value on the open market. And perhaps the Commanders could remain competitive after trading Allen if Daron Payne continues to rise as a top-notch interior defender. Also, rookie Jer’Zhan Newton looks like a player who could step into a high-snap-count role before the season gets too far along.
One reason Allen gets mentioned as a trade possibility is the Commanders’ high salaries along the defensive line. Payne’s four-year $90 million deal combines with Allen’s four-year $72 million contract signed in 2021. That’s a big bag of cash for the interior defensive line for a team that is clearly in rebuilding mode. And the talk around the league is Allen could command $25 million per year under the current monetary climate.
The Commanders could spend a lot of money on interior defense. It’s certainly an area that can make or break a defense. But it would make it more difficult to shore up high-dollar positions like wide receiver.
Who would deal for Allen?
Super Bowl contenders like Philadelphia and San Francisco could use interior defensive line help. How much would those teams pay for a stud like Allen? Still, the best approach is probably to wait until the season plays out. That’s when teams know whether they’re going to make a serious run and would be willing to pay top price for Allen.
