As the NFL nears a new calendar season, there’s hope on the horizon for the New England Patriots.
Coming off a 4-13 season, the Patriots have the two most important things a franchise can have: a quality head coach and a promising quarterback. Now, they just need to fill in the rest of the blanks.
Both offensively and defensively, the Pats are starved for star talent. Whether it’s a number-one receiver, a top-tier edge-rusher, or someone on either side of the ball to dominate the trenches, New England simply needs new blood.
If the Patriots are in the market for an interior defensive lineman, there’s one name on the trade market that’s certainly worth a discussion.
Michael Hanich of Athlon Sports recently pitched a trade target for the Patriots to pursue: Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, whose team has already given him permission to seek trade destinations.
“The Patriots should be a serious candidate for the former Alabama star defender. Allen is an explosive and aggressive defensive tackle who possesses a solid combination of speed, strength, and size,” Hanich wrote.
“A realistic package might be a fifth-round pick for Allen. The Commanders would still lose $6 million if Allen becomes a post-June 1st cut, but they could get a pick out of the deal. The Commanders and Allen would also go out on good terms.”
Allen, 30, is a two-time Pro Bowler with 42 sacks and 60 tackles for loss to his name in a 109-game sample size. He underwent surgery after tearing his left pectoral muscle in Week 6 of the 2024 season, then returned for Washington’s playoff run.
The Patriots have an advantage over other potential Allen suitors in that they could easily absorb his salary. The four-year, $72 million deal he signed with Washington was backloaded, so it’s worth $22.3 million against the cap this season.
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