Vikings' Allen: Commanders did me a favor with release

New Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen praised his former team, the Washington Commanders, for granting his release following a February trade request.

"A new regime came in. They had a path they wanted to follow, and I wasn't a part of that," Allen said Friday on "The Rich Eisen Show." "I got to give them a lot of credit for doing me a favor by releasing me when they did."

Allen, 30, spent the first eight seasons of his career with Washington after the club drafted him 17th overall in 2017. The Alabama product racked up 118 QB hits, 60 tackles for loss, and 42 sacks during his Commanders tenure.

Following his rookie campaign, Allen missed only three games over the next six seasons. However, he was sidelined for nine games last season with a torn pectoral muscle in October. He returned for the team's final two regular-season games and its postseason run to the NFC title game.

Washington opted to turn in a new direction this offseason after drafting Jer'Zhan Newton last year and rewarding Daron Payne with a four-year, $90-million extension in 2023.

The Vikings signed Allen to a three-year, $51-million contract that included $31.2 million guaranteed.

Allen is one of multiple free agents joining defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit that finished fifth in points per game (19.5) and surrendered the second-fewest rushing yards (93.4) in 2024. The veteran defensive lineman added that he's eager to work with new teammates Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.

"I think that defense was already top two or top three last year, so to be able to come in and help in any way possible is a dream situation for me," Allen said.