The San Francisco 49ers are looking ahead to the 2025 season and seek to improve this roster. They didn't make the playoffs in 2024, and the roster will look different going forward.
Deebo Samuel is someone who will be suiting up for the Washington Commanders after he was traded for a fifth-round pick. Fans were hoping for better compensation in return for Samuel, but that didn't happen.
There were rumors that San Francisco was discussing a potential swap involving Jonathan Allen for Samuel but things fell through. Thankfully, the 49ers will still get the chance to add Allen to the fold.
On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Commanders are releasing Allen after failing to find a trade partner. With Allen slated to be a free agent, the 49ers should look into signing him, especially since they plan to release Javon Hargrave.
Commanders informed two-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen today that he is being released, per sources. The team is allowing Allen to hit free agency early, and he now is expected to be one of the top DTs on the market. pic.twitter.com/9UYB83v8BH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025
NFL News: Jonathan Allen is Going to Hit Free Agency
A big reason a deal couldn't get finalized was that Allen was slated to make $22.3 million in 2025, so it's clear his price tag will be less next season.
With a hole along the interior expected to open up, Allen would be the perfect addition and help the 49ers redeem themselves from the Samuel trade.
The Alabama product tore his pectoral muscle last season but is going to be healthy when the 2025 season rolls around. Allen is an effective pass rusher with the ability to collapse the pocket. Over 109 career games, Allen has racked up 401 total tackles, 60 TFLs, 118 QB hits, and 42 sacks.
Adding him to a defensive front that already features Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd could be a recipe for success. Having a stellar defensive line goes a long way, and bringing in a force like Allen would make sense.
They already showed their interest in him when negotiating a trade around Samuel, but things fell through. This is the time to right that wrong and bring in a Pro Bowl defender.