The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a potential void in their defensive lineup as they might lose Chris Jones to free agency. In light of this, there is a pressing need for the Chiefs to secure a reliable replacement for Jones. Among the names surfacing as possible candidates is Washington Commanders’ defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen. The question now is whether the Chiefs can successfully acquire Allen to bolster their defensive front.
A recent report from the Bleacher Report scouting department not only identified Allen as a potential trade target for the Chiefs but also proposed a mock trade that could be advantageous for both teams involved. The Commanders, currently in a phase of rebuilding and facing an uncertain future, might find the prospect of trading Allen for multiple draft picks enticing. On the other hand, the Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are in dire need of a defensive force to fill the potential gap left by Jones.
The suggested trade involves the Chiefs parting ways with two 2024 draft picks, specifically in the second and fourth rounds. While this may seem like a substantial price, ensuring continuity in their defensive lineup could be crucial for the Chiefs, especially if they are unable to retain Jones. The proposal aims to mitigate the impact of Jones’ potential departure by securing a two-time Pro Bowler like Allen, who is currently under a four-year, $72 million contract.
According to the Bleacher Report, while Allen may not match Jones’ level of impact, he is considered the next best option for the Chiefs. His performance statistics, with 43 total pressures in the previous season compared to Jones’ 67, suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the team. Furthermore, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has reported that Allen has expressed his reluctance to endure further rebuilding with the Commanders, raising the possibility that Washington might be open to a trade.
The trade would require the Chiefs to take on Allen’s $14 million salary, a more manageable figure compared to the financial commitment required to retain Jones. This strategic move could provide the Chiefs with a viable solution to their defensive needs and potentially contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.
The article emphasizes that while the Chiefs have a need for wide receivers, they can explore free agency’s later waves to address that requirement. However, finding a defensive tackle of Jones’ caliber is deemed nearly impossible, making Allen a valuable alternative to secure defensive stability. As the Super Bowl concludes and the offseason approaches, the Chiefs are likely to seriously consider the option of trading for Allen, especially if they are unable to secure Jones for the future.
In comparing the statistics of Jones and Allen during the 2023 season with the Chiefs, it’s evident that Jones had an outstanding performance with 10.5 sacks, 30 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 29 QB hits, earning him a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl berth and a second straight First-Team All-Pro honor. On the other hand, Allen finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 53 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 19 QB hits, showcasing his prowess as a two-time Pro Bowler.
As the Chiefs weigh their options in the offseason, the potential acquisition of Jonathan Allen through a proposed trade could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s defensive strategy for the upcoming seasons.
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