The Minnesota Vikings made significant moves during the first week of free agency, addressing multiple areas of need on their roster. However, one acquisition stood out above the rest. ESPN sports betting analyst Pamela Maldonado highlighted the Vikings’ signing of former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as not only the best move for Minnesota this offseason, but also the top free agent signing across the league after the first week of free agency.
Allen, selected 17th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Commanders, is a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022) and has started 108 of the 109 regular-season games in his eight-year career. According to Maldonado, Allen’s addition significantly strengthens Minnesota’s defense, which needed both disruption and toughness, particularly against the run. With a three-year, $60 million contract, Allen is expected to immediately improve the Vikings’ defensive identity and make them more competitive in the NFC North.
With a resume that includes 60 tackles for loss, 42 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception, Allen provides the interior pass rush the Vikings were missing last season. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted that Allen would help relieve pressure on the Vikings’ edge rushers, who struggled without an interior disruptor since Dalvin Tomlinson’s departure after the 2022 season.
Although Allen has been a standout player, his 2024 season was less impressive, partly due to a pectoral tear that caused him to miss nine games. Despite this setback, Seifert pointed out that the Vikings may manage Allen’s snap count, as he’s likely to play fewer snaps than he did in Washington, where he played 73% of the defensive snaps between 2018 and 2023.
If Allen’s performance or health falters, Minnesota has further support with his new teammate, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, whom the Vikings also signed in free agency. Hargrave, another two-time Pro Bowler, is coming off an injury-riddled season with the 49ers but will add depth to the Vikings’ defensive line. Together, Allen and Hargrave should make the interior of Minnesota’s defense much stronger, provided they can stay healthy.
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