A trade proposal from Bleacher Report suggests that the Indianapolis Colts could acquire defensive tackle Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders.
Led by standout players like DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Samson Ebukam, the Indianapolis Colts boast one of the NFL’s premier defensive lines. This unit could become even more formidable if the team were to acquire a star defensive tackle like Jonathan Allen.
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report has suggested a trade in which the Colts would send a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for Allen:
“Commanders Receive: 2025 second-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick…Colts Receive: DL Jonathan Allen”
Such a trade would be intriguing for the Colts, as Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, could elevate their defensive line from good to elite. However, the question remains whether this trade is realistically possible.
Should the Colts Trade for 2-Time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen?
Jonathan Allen’s Career Thus Far
Jonathan Allen had a stellar collegiate career at Alabama, where he won two national championships. In his final season, he earned numerous accolades, including the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
The Washington Commanders selected Allen with the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Although a Lisfranc injury limited him to just five games as a rookie, he has since played at least 15 games each season over the past six years.
Allen made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. Over the last three years, he has recorded a total of 22 sacks, with a career-high 9.0 sacks in 2021. Throughout his seven-year career in Washington, Allen has amassed 382 combined tackles (57 for loss), 39 sacks, and 111 quarterback hits.
Colts’ Stacked Defensive Line
The Colts’ defensive line is loaded with talent. DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are the starting defensive tackles. Buckner has been the cornerstone of Indianapolis’ pass rush since being acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, recording at least 50 total pressures in each of the past two seasons. Stewart, on the other hand, is one of the league’s premier run defenders, and the Colts’ defense struggled significantly during his six-game PED suspension last season. This offseason, Raekwon Davis was signed as a free agent to provide depth behind Buckner and Stewart.
At defensive end, Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye are expected to start. Depth will be provided by players such as Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis, and rookie Laiatu Latu.
Does Acquiring Jonathan Allen Make Sense?
In 2023, the Colts set a franchise record with 51 sacks. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye led the team with 9.5 and 8.5 sacks, respectively. Rookie Laiatu Latu, who had 13 sacks at UCLA last season, is expected to further boost the Colts’ pass rush in 2024.
Jonathan Allen would certainly enhance the Colts’ pass rush as well, but a trade to acquire him is highly unlikely. The team has already invested heavily in their defensive line this offseason, with DeForest Buckner receiving a $46 million extension, Grover Stewart re-signing for $39 million, and Raekwon Davis joining on a $14 million contract.
Even if the Colts acquired Allen, Buckner and Stewart would still start at defensive tackle, making Allen’s $15.4 million salary in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025 a hefty price for a backup. The defensive tackle position would become extremely crowded. While the idea of Allen joining the Colts is enticing, it remains a distant possibility. Nonetheless, it’s fun to dream.
