Washington extends Jonathan Allen on massive four-year deal

The Washington Football Team has agreed to a four-year extension with Jonathan Allen.

Heading into a contract season, the Washington Football Team was proactive about extending defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.

Washington used the No. 17 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to select the former Alabama standout. While Allen has not been named to a Pro Bowl in any of his first four professional seasons, he has 17 sacks in 52 games playing all over the Washington defensive front. This four-year, $72 million deal keeps him in Washington for the foreseeable future with the franchise.

It is abundantly clear that Washington’s team identity will remain in the trenches going forward.

Washington Football Team extends Jonathan Allen on massive four-year deal

With this being Ron Rivera’s second season at the helm, he has firmly established this new era of Washington’s football identity. As long as last year’s No. 2 overall pick Chase Young continues to progress, Washington’s pass rush and overall defensive philosophy will help the be a competitive football team for years to come. They just won the NFC East last year, despite its sub-.500 record.

While Allen may never be as dominant in the NFL as he was with the Crimson Tide, he is the type of defensive playmaker who can set up teammates like Young for success. Looking him up on a four-year extension ensures Washington that they will be getting all of his prime before he hits free agency in his 30s. This is the type of move that can make Washington championship-caliber.

With Allen under contract going forward, Washington has another cornerstone it can build around.