Jonathan Allen‘s Monday visit with the Vikings has produced a deal in short order. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman has agreed to terms on a three-year, $60MM contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Allen spent the first eight seasons of his career in Washington, but he emerged as a potential cap casualty this offseason. The Commanders looked to work out a trade, but nothing materialized on that front. His release allowed the 30-year-old to explore a deal prior to the start of the negotiating period, and that slight head start has now produced a pact. The deal is official, per a team announcement.
The Vikings have placed a heavy emphasis on adding at the line of scrimmage this week, including deals for center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries. The team also plans to sign defensive tackle Javon Hargrave once his 49ers release is processed. Allen will join the latter in forming an experienced tandem along the defensive interior next season.
Allen was limited to five games as a rookie, but after that the former first-rounder enjoyed a lengthy run of durability. That stretch ended in 2024 due to a triceps tear, one which he was able to recover from in time for the Commanders’ run to the NFC title game. Injury concerns are clearly not an issue for the Vikings, as they have authorized a $20MM-per-year deal. 16 other players at the position are attached to a contract averaging at least that much on an annual basis, a sign of the DT market’s upward movement in recent years.
Minnesota ranked second against the run in 2024, and expectations will be high for the team to duplicate that success with a new-look defensive front next season. Allen (who has averaged 63 tackles and roughly 6.5 sacks per season in his career) will play a large role up front as he looks to find success during the second chapter of his NFL tenure.
YES. What an excellent addition! Great job by the the Vikings Management!