Around this time last year, the Washington Commanders released veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The club’s 2017 first-round draft pick had seemed disenchanted for a few years and was ready to move on. Adam Peters granted his wish.
The Commanders had Johnny Newton entering his second season and were preparing to pay big money for a very big man — Javon Kinlaw. Of course, they still had Daron Payne.
Now, with one year left on his contract and the Commanders continuing to struggle on defense, it’s hard not to see the shadow of Allen when looking at Payne.