Chargers Linked To 2x Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman in Latest Trade Rumor

The Washington Commanders have been rumored to be shopping trade offers for veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen since May. Now the Los Angeles Chargers have been linked as a team that would benefit from making this move.

The former Washington Football Team first-round pick led the team in pressures last season with 49. He continued to be a force on the defensive line for the Washington Commanders in 2023. While the team’s overall record wasn’t ideal, Allen produced solid stats. He finished the season with 50 total tackles (39 solo and 12 assists), which was tied for 9th most among defensive tackles. He also recorded 6 sacks, which put him at 20th in the league for his position.

The Chargers have major needs along the defensive line. They added Poona Ford in free agency to address some of those needs but will rely on Morgan Fox to take on a much larger role and will need young inexperienced former late-round draft picks, Otito Ogbonnia and Scott Matlock , to take huge steps in their development. And that doesn’t even brush on the lack of depth behind those less-than-ideal players.

The Cost to the Chargers of Trading for Jonathan Allen

Per a report on Bleacher Report:

“There’s something to be said for building through the trenches, but having that much money invested in the interior defensive line on a rebuilding roster might not be the best approach,” B/R writes. “Instead, the Commanders could look to maximize their return on a trade by putting Allen on the trade block.”

Allen currently has two years left on his current contract which would cost the Chargers $21.4 million against the cap. Restructuring would have to be executed, as the Chargers are currently $20 million under the cap. Extending Allen would help them spread his money out over more years.

Using the recent Brian Burns trade as a benchmark, the Chargers could likely land Allen for a second-round pick at the most, but a third may get the job done.

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