It could actually happen.
Trade for 2x Pro Bowler Could Be in Play for Vikings
That’s the word on a possible trade for the Minnesota Vikings involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Credible reporting suggested last week that Allen will hit the NFL’s trade block, and with any luck, the Vikings could become his next employer.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted six days ago, “The Commanders have had trade conversations centered around Pro Bowl DL Jonathan Allen, sources say. Washington plans to do right by the player & Allen’s camp is involved in helping him land at the right spot — either via trade or free agency. He has one year left at $15M.”
And according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, Minnesota as an Allen landing spot checks out. “Here’s what I would tell you. My sense is that he would have all sorts of interest in being a Minnesota Viking. A lot of players would have interest in being a Minnesota Viking. They have set up an infrastructure that lends itself to a lot of players having interest in being here,” Wolfson said on SKOR North airwaves last week after the Allen trade smoke billowed.
“Whether the Vikings want to play ball, whether the Vikings reciprocate that interest remains to be seen. To suggest that Allen would have interest in the Vikings, I would say you are accurate in doing so.”
Allen was actually in Minnesota’s trade rumor mill last year, starting in the summer and leading all the way up to the November deadline. Washington ultimately hung onto Allen and later reached the NFC Championship.
The Commanders drafted Jer’Zhan Newton at Allen’s spot last April, meaning they already have his replacement ready and waiting. Allen has tallied quiet years by his lofty standards in 2023 and 2024 but was a two-time Pro Bowler before that.
Meanwhile, the Vikings seem fixated on adding an impactful defensive tackle this offseason. General manager Adofo-Mensah spoke at the NFL Combine last Tuesday, acknowledging that his team must improve in the defensive trenches. “To play January football, there’s a certain way you’ve got to play. You’ve got to be able to control the ball, and be able to get after the passer with just four. We need to get better and will,” the Vikings boss told reporters.
That seemed to hint at DT improvement, which Allen would provide this offseason.
If Minnesota swung a trade for Allen’s services, he’d likely cost somewhere in the ballpark of a 4th- or 5th-Round pick.
Allen turned 30 in January.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.