After failing to find a trade partner for Jonathan Allen’s $17 million salary, the Commanders have made the decision to release Allen from his contract. The Commanders will take a $6 million salary cap charge for Allen and his release will clear up $16.47 million in salary cap space for the team.

Allen was in the final year of a four year, $72 million contract extension that he signed in the summer of 2021. Allen was a Pro Bowl player in 2021 and 2022 before his numbers began to dip a bit in 2023. Last season Allen only appeared in 8 games which probably was the deciding factor for his release since the new regime really did not get a great opportunity to work with him. Even off the injury Allen should have a market but it would probably be at close to half of his current salary.

The Commanders likely have anywhere from $70 to $80 million in cap room at this point depending on how they account for Deebo Samuel’s contract and Bobby Wagner’s new contract on the salary cap. They have one of the highest totals in the NFL.