3 hypothetical trades for Vikings DT Jonathan Allen that would allow Minnesota to save a significant amount of salary cap space

Jonathan Allen still has some trade value remaining.

Destin Adams, Justin Churchill, Rob Gregson, Tyler Forness
Add as preferred source on Google
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) is knocked down by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) as he gets a pass off in the second quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are going to be making a lot of moves this offseason to get under the salary cap, and the latest one is releasing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen from his contract.

It’s a fascinating move by the Vikings, as releasing him will only save them $6.5 million on the salary cap, and it would be the second starter on the defensive line, possibly the third if they do end up trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.

The ideal scenario is they trade him for literally anything they can get their hands on, because it will save them $8 million more in salary cap space, and give them a draft pick. I received three offers that the Vikings could consider for Allen and one stands out above the rest.

Las Vegas Raiders get Maxx Crosby some help

Raiders send 2026 fifth-round pick to the Vikings for Jonathan Allen

“The Las Vegas Raiders need some help on the defensive line. Their current starters are projected to be just Jonah Laulu and Adam Butler. They could use some bodies there, and while Aallen isn’t what he once was, he could be a really solid addition to a defense that just needs some more dudes on it. If they want to show Maxx Crosby that they are truly going to compete now, they need to go get him some help. They tried that with Christian Wilkins. If Allen is what he was last season, which admittedly wasn’t his best season, he could be a very good rotational piece for the Raiders, or maybe even start, but rotate in and out with Butler and Laulu, who are both very good in the run game. Allen would bring what those two lacked at times last year—a pass rush. This offer is fair for what the Raiders have going on. They need their picks to rebuild, but they also need good players. Not to mention, they have young players at the position they are developing, and this could create a logjam. So, while Allen may garner better offers, this is what I believe the Raiders would be sending.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Las Vegas

Los Angeles Chargers pair Teair Tart with a pass rusher

Chargers send a conditional 2027 fifth-round pick that can turn into a third-round pick based on playing time to the Vikings for Jonathan Allen

“The Chargers not only need help along their defensive front, they need warm bodies. Da’Shawn Hand, who served as a starter for Los Angeles, is an unrestricted free agent. The Chargers will likely be deploying a similar scheme after promoting safeties coach Chris O’Leary to defensive coordinator, so that 3-4 end position will need to be filled and Jonathan Allen fits the mold.

“Allen is now 31 years old and doesn’t offer the ability to harm pocket depth the way he once did in Washington and Minnesota, but I believe he would be an upgrade over Hand, and more importantly give the Chargers a solid starter at the position. While Allen’s sack numbers have been on a downturn, he played in all 17 games last season and gives the team proven performance where they need it most.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh

New York Jets replace Quinnen Williams

Jets send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Vikings for Jonathan Allen and 2027 seventh-round pick

The Vikings are on the edge of releasing Allen just to get the cap relief. So I doubt a team like the Jets would be willing to make a significant offer, but I do think a small trade to cut the line in free agency would make sense for New York.

Allen would be a day one starter for the Jets’ defense, which is hurting in the interior of their defensive line after moving Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline last year. So this deal gives the Vikings an extra pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Jets get Allen and a seventh-round pick next year.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Indianapolis

One offer stands out

When you are set to make a trade like this one, there isn’t going to be a lot of capital coming your way. Allen is going to be cut so unless there are a bunch of teams trying to add him, the price will be lower.

The best offer here is an easy one: the Chargers. The 2027 NFL Draft is projected to be significantly better than this one, and it could turn into a third-round pick. It will also save the Vikings a significant amount of salary cap space, going from $6.53 million saved to $14.53 million saved. Allen netting the Vikings any return would be great, but that would be next level.

Related Articles