The Indianapolis Colts would acquire Washington Commanders DT Jonathan Allen, according to a Bleacher Report trade proposal.
The Indianapolis Colts’ defensive line, led by DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Samson Ebukam, is among the best in the NFL. The unit may be even better if the team signed a standout defensive lineman like Jonathan Allen.
According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, the Colts may send a 2025 second-round and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders for Allen.
“Commanders Receive: 2025 second-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick…Colts Receive: DL Jonathan Allen”
This may be an interesting trade for the Colts. Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, could suddenly elevate the team’s defensive line from competent to outstanding. But is it likely that such a trade will take place?
Should the Colts Trade for 2-Time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen?
Jonathan Allen’s Career Thus Far
Jonathan Allen enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career at Alabama, earning two national titles. During his final season, he received multiple trophies, including SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, Washington selected Allen with the 17th overall choice. As a rookie, he was limited to just five games due to a Lisfranc injury. However, he has appeared in at least 15 games over the last six seasons.
Allen made the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2022. He has 22 sacks in the last three years, including a career-high 9.0 in 2021. Allen has 382 combined tackles (57 for loss), 39 sacks, and 111 quarterback hits in seven seasons with the Washington Redskins.
Colts’ Stacked Defensive Line
The Colts’ defensive line is packed with talent. Buckner and Stewart are the starting defensive tackles. Buckner has been the core of Indianapolis’ pass rush since he was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. He has had at least 50 total pressures in each of the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Stewart is one of the league’s best run defenders. Indy’s defense underperformed during his six-game PED suspension last season. Raekwon Davis, who joined as a free agent this offseason, will play behind Buckner and Stewart.
Ebukam and Kwity Paye are anticipated to start as defensive ends. Players like Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis, and rookie Laiatu Latu will add depth.
Does Acquiring Jonathan Allen Make Sense?
In 2023, the Colts set an Indianapolis-era record with 51 sacks. Ebukam and Paye lead the squad with 9.5 and 8.5 sacks, respectively. Latu, who recorded 13 sacks for UCLA last season, might improve the Colts’ pass rush in 2024.
Allen would also improve the Colts’ pass rush. However, a deal that sends him to Indianapolis is quite doubtful. It doesn’t make sense given how much money the franchise spent on Buckner, Stewart, and Davis this offseason. Buckner received a $46 million extension, Stewart was re-signed for $39 million, and Davis inked a $14 million contract.
If Allen is traded to the Colts, Buckner and Stewart would continue to start at defensive tackle. Allen will earn $15.4 million in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025. That’s a lot of money to spend on a backup. The DT position would be very crowded. Having said that, such a move is extremely unlikely for the Colts. It doesn’t hurt to dream, though.
