Jonathan Allen can start exploring the open market.
The Washington Commanders are reportedly releasing the defensive tackle, allowing him to hit free agency early, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Allen, 30, was entering the final season of a four-year $72 million extension signed in 2021. Letting him go saves the Commanders $22 million in salary cap space for 2025.
The two-time Pro Bowler was the second-longest tenured player in Washington, selected by the team 17th overall in the 2017 draft. Since debuting eight years ago, Allen has appeared in 108 games for the Commanders, making 401 tackles and recording 42 sacks. That sack total ranks fifth in franchise history since it became an official stat in 1982.
Allen is coming off an injury-defined season, playing in just eight games due to a torn pectoral muscle, posting three sacks and 19 combined tackles. It was the fewest games he's played in a season since his rookie year.
The news of his release comes a week after the Commanders gave the defensive tackle permission to seek a trade. He'll now be free to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent.
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