Jonathan Allen Throws a Little Bit of Shade at Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings parted ways with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen last week, and soon after, Allen landed on his feet with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, according to him, he’s in a spot where he can actually win a Super Bowl.
The former Viking did not exactly hide his message.
The veteran defender didn’t show utter disdain toward the Vikings, but he did imply that Cincinnati can win a championship, whereas his former team can not.
Allen’s Bengals Comments Will Irritate Some Vikings Fans
Allen is, shall we say, excited about the change of scenery.
Allen on His New Employer
Allen spoke with Bengals reporters last Friday and opined, “This is one of the few places I can compete for a Super Bowl and have a chance to showcase my talent. When you see what they have on the offensive side of the ball, that’s a dream for a defensive lineman.”
“I think people would be lining up to play with a guy like Joe Burrow and the offense they have. Then the young guys you have on defense and the pieces you’re adding, I really think this team is going somewhere.”
Allen also said about the Bengals’ defensive scheme: “That’s one of the things that excited me the most about coming here. They’re talking about moving me around, getting some one-on-ones and really being able to get after the passer and shut down the run, the things I love to do.”
The Implication
While it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Bengals’ defense suddenly becomes fierce — it ranked 29th in the NFL last year per EPA/Play, also known as fourth-worst — and the offensive line improves, Allen’s insinuation that he can win a Super Bowl implies that the Vikings could not or can not.
Of course, Minnesota did not win the chip last year, but it finished 9-8 with the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback efficiency by the numbers. The team believes it’s a quarterback away from contending, and that’s why the Vikings signed Kyler Murray last week.
But per Allen, the Bengals can win a Super Bowl, and the Vikings probably won’t.
Allen’s 2025 Performance
Allen’s 2025 season was statistically mixed. While he ranked sixth among defensive tackles in total tackles, 10th in stops, and 11th in quarterback hits, his production declined to 25th in sacks and 27th in pressures, a performance that arguably didn’t justify his salary.
His Pro Football Focus grades reflect this assessment, with an overall score of 53.2. His run defense grade of 45.4 is particularly concerning, given his expected role as an anchor in the middle of the defensive line. However, his pass-rushing grade was a more respectable 64.9.
The potential impact of Brian Flores‘ defensive scheme has been debated, with some suggesting it may not be ideal for defensive tackles. However, the performance of DTs in Minnesota under the same scheme complicates this explanation. See: Jalen Redmond.
Regardless, Allen’s departure creates opportunities for other players. Levi Drake Rodriguez has shown potential as a run defender and could see increased playing time. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins gained experience as a rookie. Additionally, undrafted free agent Elijah Williams impressed during training camp, and Jaylon Hutchings arrives from the UFL, further expanding the team’s options.
The Bengals’ Super Bowl Odds
Do sportsbooks’ odds agree with Allen? They do not — not by a long shot. The Bengals have a +3000 moneyline to win the Super Bowl next February, the 17th-best odds in the NFL. Vegas basically believes that Cincinnati is a middle-of-the-road team in 2026 — probably because the defense won’t be good enough, nor is the offensive line to die for.
In fairness to Allen, however, the Vikings have +4500 odds to win it all, two spots down from Cincinnati. Allen may indeed have a better chance of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in Cincinnati, but that doesn’t make the franchise a surefire Super Bowl contender, per oddsmakers.
Letting the Vikings Off the Hook
Vikings fans should rejoice that Cincinnati signed Allen. Doing so released the 2026 cap burden, freeing up the salary cap for the 2027 offseason.
ESPN’s Seth Walker explained last week, explaining why he thought the signing was a head-scratcher, “The Bengals signing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The aforementioned Chubb signing and Kwity Paye’s deal with the Raiders are also great contenders for this superlative.”
“But Allen getting as much as he did — two years, $26 million — as a 31-year-old coming off two straight years of declined performance (resulting in his release from the Commanders and Vikings) was really surprising. It also was a break for the Vikings. Allen had $8 million guaranteed from when they cut him — and they could get all of that money back depending on how the contract is structured.”
As of March 19th, the Vikings are scheduled to have $67 million in cap space next offseason.
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