The NFL offseason moves faster than a Steph Curry three-pointer, and the 49ers just tossed a grenade into the league’s rumor mill. Picture this: Deebo Samuel, the human Swiss Army knife of football, swapping his red-and-gold threads for Commanders’ burgundy. But hold your tailgate beers—this deal almost had a side of Jonathan Allen, Washington’s $72 million defensive anchor.
Imagine trading a star receiver for a defensive tackle, like swapping a Philly cheesesteak for a crab cake. Tasty? Maybe. Complicated? Absolutely. The 49ers and Commanders flirted with a blockbuster player swap before settling on Samuel for a fifth-rounder. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Jonathan Allen was “part of the trade discussions,” but his $16.4 million salary became a financial speed bump. “Ultimately, he was not included,” confirmed Fowler.
San Francisco’s defensive line needs help, but Allen’s recent slide—a career-low 56.0 PFF grade in 2024—left cold feet. Meanwhile, Washington saved cap space and prioritized youth, drafting DT Jer’Zhan Newton in 2024. But this isn’t Allen’s first rodeo.
He requested a trade earlier this week, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, and Commanders GM Adam Peters green-lit his search. “We’re staying in contact with them every day,” Peters said at the combine. Allen’s 2025 cap hit? A hefty $22.47 million. Trading him frees $17 million—enough to buy a small fleet of luxury RVs for Washington’s rebuild. Besides, Allen’s 2024 season was shorter than a halftime show.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was part of the trade discussion between the #Commanders and #49ers this week as they executed the Deebo Samuel deal, per source. Ultimately, he was not included. Allen is due $16.4M this year, a possible hurdle.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 2, 2025
A torn pec limited him to eight games, three sacks, and a 42.2 run-defense grade. Once a two-time Pro Bowler with 42 career sacks, he’s now stuck in no-man’s-land. Washington’s investments in Daron Payne ($90 million extension) and Newton made Allen expendable—like trading a vintage Corvette for a sleeker Tesla. But don’t mistake expendable for worthless.
Teams needing defensive grit—think Cowboys or Browns—might take a flier. “Really, everything’s still on the table in terms of whether it’s trade or staying here or whatever,” Peters added. Allen’s agent, Blake Baratz, is likely burning up phone lines in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Samuel’s exit ends a rollercoaster tenure.
His 2021 MVP-caliber season (1,770 scrimmage yards) feels as distant as Blockbuster Video. Last season? He had just 670 receiving yards. Now paired with rookie QB Jayden Daniels, he’ll aim to revive his career like a Netflix reboot. “The 49ers could have used help along the defensive line,” SI’s Eva Geitheim suggested, but Samuel’s $21.7 million salary forced their hand.
Jonathan Allen’s cap chess and legacy checks
Jonathan Allen’s legacy in Washington is etched deeper than the Potomac—401 tackles, 42 sacks, eight seasons. But football is a ‘what have you done lately?’ league. His $15.5 million base salary isn’t guaranteed, making him a prime-cut candidate. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests the Commanders look to do right by Allen. Translation: They may trade him for a bag of footballs if it helps both sides.
At 30, Allen’s prime years are fading faster than a Hail Mary in the wind. But contenders love renting veterans for playoff pushes. Imagine him anchoring the Bills’ line or mentoring the Bears’ rookies. His leadership? Priceless. His contract?
Not so much. Trades aren’t just cap math—they’re uprooting lives. Allen’s spent nearly a decade in D.C., longer than some presidential terms. Moving him is like relocating a redwood: possible, but messy. However, Peters’ rebuild waits for no one.
In the NFL, loyalty lasts as long as a halftime speech. Allen’s saga mirrors the old quip: “Money makes the world go ’round, but it don’t make you spin with it.” As Allen packs his gloves, one question lingers: Will his next chapter be a redemption arc or a cautionary tale? Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change.” For Allen and Samuel, change is here.
But who’s willing to bet $16.4 million on a comeback?
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