Vikings Could Land Jonathan Allen in a Trade While Boosting Draft Capital

As the Minnesota Vikings head into free agency, they face a critical offseason with multiple areas to address. From the offensive line to the secondary and running back position, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has his work cut out for him. One of the most pressing needs, however, is improving the interior pass rush—a weakness that plagued the team in 2024 despite their strong overall defensive performance.

The Vikings’ Defensive Struggles

The Vikings finished the 2024 season with a mixed defensive performance. While they ranked second in run defense and fifth in sacks, their interior pass rush was a glaring weakness, contributing to a 28th-ranked pass defense. Most of the team’s sacks came from edge rushers, leaving a significant gap in pressure up the middle.

To address this issue, the Vikings have several options, including pursuing free agents like Milton Williams or Levi Onwuzurike. However, one intriguing possibility is trading for Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who has been granted permission to seek a trade.

Why Jonathan Allen Makes Sense for the Vikings

Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, would be a game-changing addition to the Vikings’ defensive line. At 30 years old, Allen brings experience, leadership, and a proven track record of disrupting opposing offenses. SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson reported that Allen would have “all sorts of interest” in playing for the Vikings, making this a potential win-win scenario for both parties.

If the Commanders can't find a trading partner for two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen, he'll likely be released in a cost-cutting move. If so the veteran should have plenty of options. I wrote about Allen in January… @TheAthletic @TheAthleticNFL https://t.co/SX5ZadlCRH

— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 5, 2025

The financial aspect of acquiring Allen is also appealing. Any team trading for him would inherit just one year of his contract, with a base salary of $15 million. If the Commanders cannot find a trade partner, they are expected to release Allen, which could open the door for the Vikings to sign him without sacrificing draft capital.

A Strategic Move to Boost Draft Capital

Here’s where things get interesting for the Vikings. By signing Allen after he is released—rather than trading for him—the Vikings could use the NFL’s compensatory pick formula to their advantage. Players who are cut (as opposed to those whose contracts expire) do not count toward the compensatory pick formula, allowing teams to add talent without sacrificing future draft picks.

The Vikings have used this strategy before, most notably with the signing of Aaron Jones last year. If they apply the same approach to Allen, they could bolster their defensive line while also positioning themselves to earn compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Currently, the Vikings are projected to lack a fourth-round pick in 2026 due to the Cam Robinson trade. However, losing players like Robinson and quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency could net them high compensatory picks. Adding Allen through this strategic approach would further enhance their draft capital, a move that aligns with Adofo-Mensah’s long-term vision for the team.

A Potential Game-Changer for Minnesota

Jonathan Allen’s availability presents a unique opportunity for the Vikings to address a critical need while also planning for the future. His addition would immediately upgrade the interior pass rush, providing much-needed support for the team’s edge rushers and improving their overall defensive performance.

Once Allen becomes available, the Vikings should aggressively pursue him. Not only would he strengthen their defense, but the potential to gain draft capital makes this a low-risk, high-reward move. For a team looking to contend in a competitive NFC North, Allen could be the missing piece they need to take the next step.