Eight-Year Veteran Defensive Lineman Signs to the Vikings

Jonathan Allen, the eight-year veteran defensive lineman, is on the move. The 30-year-old has made the Pro Bowl twice. He’s been through the turmoil in Washington before making the NFC Championship Game. He’s an edge defender that has recorded 42 sacks. Since he recorded a career-high nine sacks in 2021, each year, his total has declined. He played alongside some other first round picks, Daron Payne and Chase Young. Allen in his prime had speed to slide around left tackles on pass rushes. He was primarily responsible for defending the “C” gaps on run plays.

Last year, Allen made it to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in his career. He enjoyed a terrific season in terms of winning. On top of that, he got to play with the best rookie quarterback in history, Jayden Daniels, in practice. The former Alabama product produced just three sacks. In context, he missed half the season, getting injured in Week Six before coming back just before the postseason in Week 17. 

For seven straight years, Allen had been available, playing in at least 14 regular season games. After eight years in Washington, Allen has been released. The two sides tried to find a trade partner and Washington decided to waive him. Now it has been reported by Adam Schefter that Allen and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a three-year deal worth $60 million. It will be the first time Allen will wear a jersey other than with the name “Washington” on the front. He will provide veteran experience. Going to a new team and being on the back end of his prime, expect Allen to be a rotational player on the defensive line. He can still start, he will likely not have the same legs as he used to. Allen is looking to make an impact on a win-now team.