Washington shockingly won the NFC East last season thanks to the strength of their young defense, and now they’re locking up a key member of that defense. The team reached agreement on a four-year extension worth a whopping $72MM with defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, his agency Team IFA announced on Twitter.
Per his agents, the deal comes with a massive $30MM signing bonus. We heard in early June that the two sides had commenced extension talks, and things came together relatively quickly. The 2017 first-round pick was previously set to enter the final year of his rookie deal under the fifth-year option.
Allen became a starter immediately after getting drafted 17th overall, but was limited to five games as a rookie due to a Lisfranc injury. He bounced back in a big way in his sophomore season, starting all 16 games and racking up eight sacks. Since his rookie campaign, he’s missed only one game.
An interior lineman who can be a wrecking ball in the run game, Allen has also shown a good amount of pass-rushing upside. After notching eight sacks in 2018, he had another six the following year. He only had two this past season as he didn’t play quite as prominent a pass-rushing role, but he still had 14 quarterback hits.
The $18MM average annual salary for his new pact ranks him fifth in the league among interior defensive linemen, as Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post tweets.
Allen only turned 26 earlier this year, and is now signed through the 2025 season. With fellow youngsters Chase Young, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat all still on their rookie deals, Washington’s defensive front has a very bright future.
Now can they keep Ron Rivera around long term and find a franchise QB?
I think Ron is there long term unless Snyder starts trying to micro manage everything. Given the horrendous injuries that occurred to Theismann, RG3 and Smith, solving the QB problem may be tougher.
Ron’s health may decide that more than he or Mr. Snyder
Their front 7 is so good. Too bad their offense is hot trash. I still think they have a good chance to repeat as NFC East Champs.
They upgraded a QB and WR which were the weakest points. I think they can win 11 games this season.
You think Heinicke should start? I’d love for them to give him the offense week 1. I feel like with Fitzpatrick you know what you get. Which is at best 10-6 +\- 1 game for a 17 game season and a first round exit. Heinicke was electric in the playoffs. You never know when you find yourself a Kurt Warner. Those were the vibes I got from him. Just curious what others think
While very talented, Heinicke cannot play a full season or even more than two or three games in a row. Heinicke plays like a Russell Wilson but doesn’t have his durability. Heinicke is best used as a pinch hitter off the benches for a half or a couple of games, as he comes in hot off the bench (has the mental agility and poise to walk into a game and play good football).
LMAO. Fitzmagic is not going to win 11 games. He has three good games followed by two bad ones… Not with your OL and running game.
Slur fans are delusional
Almost like the 70’s Steelers. Fitz can chuck the ball and a D saying ‘Bring it!’.
Also DC’s Walter Payton award nomination. Great signing.
If they ever get any semblance of offense, they will be a team to be scared of
They have a semblance of offense. It’s just not particularly strong.
LMAO. Fitzmagic is not going to win 11 games. He has three good games followed by two bad ones… Not with your OL and running game.
Slur fans are delusional