The Washington Commanders have been back and forth on Jonathan Allen for years now.

The multiple-time Pro Bowler has spent his entire career in D.C. and even earned a lucrative contract extension three years ago. Allen will now be looking for a new home after being released. The team gave Allen the chance to look for a trade but once one was not found, Washington made a business decision.

The Commanders will save the team over $16 million in cap space.

Now that Allen is available, these three teams could be in the mix.

New England Patriots

The Patriots remain an interesting option because of the rebuilding nature of the team. Drake Maye gives the team hope moving forward but New England is not close to winning. So, why trade for a veteran defensive lineman? It will simply make the defense, which was ranked 30th in the league, better. Christian Gonzalez is one of the rising stars in the league when healthy and the presence of Allen can help change the culture on that side of the ball.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have a major need along the interior defensive line. Arizona is preparing to lose two pieces to free agency and this leaves a hole in the center. Allen will not be overly expensive but for a team with nearly $80 million in cap, this is a perfect fit. Where it is not a perfect fit might be the scene that head coach Jonathan Gannon runs. Allen will have to adjust to a 3-4 but with his experience and versatility, the Cardinals could be getting a major upgrade and leader in the center of the line.

Houston Texans 

Demeco Ryans and Allen could be the perfect fit. Allen got his first taste of postseason success and would likely want to be traded to another contender. While the AFC is much stronger, the AFC South has been dominated by the Texans since CJ Stroud’s emergence. That will likely continue moving forward and Allen could be a huge piece. Ryans would put him in position to succeed right away in Houston.