Jonathan Allen is a trade target the Chicago Bears need
Accomplished defensive tackle would boost the trenches in 2025
ESPN reported Tuesday that Washington Commanders DT Jonathan Allen was given permission to seek a trade. The Chicago Bears need to pick up the phone now.
Allen, 30, has been a hallmark of consistency in starting games and counting stats, per ESPN, and a cap hit of $22.3 million in the final year of his contract. He brings an impactful interior presence at a lesser cost to teams interested in improving the defensive front.
Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett is the belle of the trade market ball in that respect. He’s expected to cost teams at least one first round pick. Allen, comparatively, could be had for a package front lined by a Day 2 pick.
Bears GM Ryan Poles has dealt with the Commanders before, trading a second rounder for DE Montez Sweat in 2023. With needs in both trenches this spring, Chicago would be wise to gauge the market before April’s NFL Draft. The Bears have three Day 2 picks at No. 39 and No. 41 in the second round, and No. 72 in the third round.
Allen’s trade market
Poles should be cautious not to repeat the Chase Claypool bidding war of 2022 considering Allen’s age and contract length. A package with No. 72 and Day 3 picks this year and in the future would bolster the offer.
Contending teams like the Detroit Lions would appear to be in the mix, and they could offer a second round pick package.
Likewise, the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers would be logical teams in the mix. The latter two have real cap hurdles to sort out, while the Bengals have higher contractual priorities in WRs Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
Chicago has a lot of needs to fill in a draft ripe with starter-ready talent in the top 50. Yet in Allen they’d be acquiring a player with a long track record of success and work ethic. If a second round talent doesn’t project to be Allen’s impact now or in the future, the trade is easily defensible.
This week’s NFL Combine will be worth watching the defensive tackle prospects. Michigan’s Mason Graham is projected top pick, yet is unlikely to get to Chicago at No. 10. A handful of other interior linemen could be available for Chicago in the early second.
