The Chicago Bears have taken some big swings for their defense over the past six months, trading for pass rusher Montez Sweat and signing All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a long-term contract extension. Could they potentially have one more up their sleeve between now and the 2024 NFL trade deadline in the fall?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently examined several of the top potential 2024 trade targets whose contract situations could prompt a change of scenery over the next several months and locked in on one particular defensive star who could take the Bears defense to “elite” status: Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
“The Chicago Bears, who acquired and extended Sweat, would be a sensible suitor for Allen if Washington is willing to make him available,” Knox wrote on March 27. “They had a stout defensive front after adding Sweat last season, and bringing in Allen could give them a truly elite defensive line.”
Allen. 29, has racked up 22 sacks and 36 tackles for loss over the past three seasons as the centerpiece in the Commanders’ defensive line, making the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. He is also under contract for the next two seasons in Washington; however, Knox notes that Allen is “largely underpaid” after Christian Wilkins‘ $110 million signing with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason and has no guaranteed money left on his deal.
Allen carries cap hits of roughly $21.4 million and $23 million, respectively, over the next two seasons and could be looking for a fresh payday that rewards his high level of play. Are the Bears still in a position to make a high-priced splash on defense, though?
There is little question that Allen would substantially upgrade the middle of the Bears defense. He is an interior game-wrecker who makes an impact against both the pass and the run and can play the three-technique role, even though Washington has split those responsibilities between him and Daron Payne over the past several seasons.
An on-paper fit, however, does not justify the draft capital and salary-cap resources that the Bears would have to pay to acquire Allen.
