Allen’s release from the Commanders was more cap related than performance related. The veteran defensive tackle turned 30 earlier this year, and totaled 19 tackles, three TFLs, and three sacks in eight games last season while also generating 16 pressures. He returned from a partially torn pectoral muscle to help the Commanders in their playoff run, and can still help several teams. The Vikings ranked 16th in yards allowed but were a top-five rush defense against the ground game and in points allowed.

Allen was given permission to seek a trade a few weeks ago ahead of his impending release. Nothing materialized and the Commanders cut ties with Allen to save nearly $16.5 million in cap space. The 49ers were in a similar situation with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who will be officially released with a post-June 1 designation at the start of the new league year next week. Now in need of extra firepower on the defensive line, Allen makes sense as a target for a contending 49ers squad. Allen missed nine games with a partially torn last year. He tallied three sacks and four TFLs across 11 appearances including the postseason.

After trying and failing to trade the two-time Pro Bowler, the Commanders will now release Allen in a move that will save them nearly $16.5 million against the cap this season. Allen, 30, suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle last season and was limited to eight regular season games as a result. He returned in time for the postseason, where he totaled 10 pressures and eight quarterback hurries in three games, per PFF, and should generate plenty of interest as teams look to upgrade their defensive fronts.