Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and president Bruce Allen have inked the franchise’s dynamic duo of former University of Alabama standouts to contracts. Defensive end Jonathan Allen and outside linebacker Ryan Anderson were two of nine draft picks from the Redskins’ 2017 class that signed deals on Thursday.
While Allen was selected in the first round – 17th overall pick – Anderson was chosen the second round during the venue. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Redskins inked Allen to a four-year deal worth $11.6 million. His contract comes with $6.6 million signing bonus, despite him not being a top-10 draft pick.
#Redskins first-round DL Jonathan Allen signed a 4-year fully guaranteed $11.6M contract, source said. He got a $6.6M signing bonus
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2017
Both players gave offensive coordinators and quarterbacks major issues in the last two seasons, combining for 37.5 sacks and 70 tackles for loss. Allen ended his tenure with the Crimson Tide with 28.5 career sacks, and Anderson led the team a season ago in tackles for loss with 19. In an NFC East division that has Eli Manning, Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott pulling triggers, one has to possess the ability to affect the passing game.
The combination of Allen and Anderson gives Washington more depth along its defensive front. It believes that it now has the ammunition to make serious noise in the National Football League in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag..
