Former ‘Last Chance U’ LB Dakota Allen inks deal with Browns
CLEVELAND (BVM) – Dakota Allen has been a busy man since being featured in Season 2 of the hit Netflix series “Last Chance U” and recently signed a deal with his fourth NFL team.
The Cleveland Browns announced their signing of Allen to help fill their 90-man roster on June 21. The four-year NFL vet came over from Jacksonville where he spent the last two seasons with the Jaguars, appearing in 27 games for the franchise. Playing primarily on special teams (74% of his snaps were played in that phase), and even starting three games for Jacksonville, Allen combined for 28 total tackles and a forced fumble over that span.
We have signed LB Dakota Allen
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 21, 2022
Before landing on Season 2 of “Last Chance U,” Allen’s football future was in serious jeopardy.
He was expelled from Texas Tech due to second-degree burglary charges which were later dropped. This led to Allen’s arrival at East Mississippi Community College where he instantaneously proved why he belonged at the Division I level. After a strong showing in his only season at EMCC in 2016, Allen rejoined Texas Tech the following year.
Back in Lubbock, Allen racked up 165 tackles over the next two seasons with the Red Raiders which allowed him to make history as the first “Last Chance U” player to be selected in the NFL Draft.
From kicked off the team to team captain.@TexasTechFB LB Dakota Allen's story is one of redemption. pic.twitter.com/f2Qxo0Mfcl
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 19, 2018
The Los Angeles Rams chose him with the 251st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, signed him to a four-year, $2.5 million contract but waived him during final roster cuts. The Rams would sign Allen to their practice squad the next day, but he would never play for the franchise.
Allen was signed off the Rams’ practice squad by the Oakland Raiders and less than two weeks later, he made his NFL debut on October 6, 2019 against the Chicago Bears. He was waived later that month after appearing in two games for the Raiders before landing back on the Rams’ practice and ending his rookie season with the Jaguars. Allen replaced starter Myles Jack in Week 4 of the 2020 season and played in 13 games for Jacksonville, mostly on special teams. He finished the 2020 season with 18 total tackles (12 solo), four special teams tackles and three tackles for loss.
Now on a Browns’ roster with plenty of turnover on the margins, Allen has the ability to carve himself out a role on special teams which could help him make the final 53-man roster.
