Former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen again has a new team. After his release from the Minnesota Vikings last week after only one season, Allen signed a two-year deal worth $28 million with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.
Allen, 31, was Washington’s first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons with the Commanders, appearing in 109 games, starting all but one, and was one of the NFL’s better defensive tackles throughout his tenure. However, in a salary cap move, Washington moved on from Allen last offseason with one year remaining on his contract.
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Allen wasn’t free for long, as the Vikings quickly snatched him up, signing him to a three-year deal worth $60 million. He started all 17 games for the Vikings last season, finishing with 68 tackles, including seven for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Minnesota released Allen and fellow defensive tackle Javon Hargrave after a disappointing 2025 season. Hargrave also signed with the Vikings last offseason.
Allen is one of the better Washington players over the last 20 years. He was also a respected leader in the locker room and an active member of the community. Allen, who attended high school in Ashburn, Virginia, only minutes from Commanders Park, grew up a Washington fan.
Now, the former Pro Bowler gets a fresh start in the AFC with a team desperate for defensive help.
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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL free agency: Former Commanders’ 1st-round pick lands with Bengals