Interest surrounding Jared Allen has been hot and cold at best since free agency began. The defensive end announced he was not returning to the Minnesota Vikings, in search of a better contract and winning team for 2014 and beyond. However, while many teams have been mentioned as options for the defensive end, no one has brought him in yet for contract talks. However, a week into free agency and things are starting to heat up.
ESPN's Ed Werder reports that the Dallas Cowboys are showing serious interest in Allen. The defensive end has a workout scheduled with the team this week. As of now, the Cowboys have exactly $7.2 million in salary cap space after the departure of DeMarcus Ware and the likely exit of Anthony Spencer. The Cowboys are in need of a pass rusher and Allen certainly fits the bill. The issue could come down to contract size. Dallas must be smart with the deals they hand out considering the team is still working on signing players like Dez Bryant to an extension.
The Cowboys are not the only team interest in Allen as free agency continues. The Seattle Seahawks are also trying to get a meeting scheduled with Allen for some time this weeknd. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network is reporting that Allen and the Seahawks are in talks about a deal despite Michael Bennett returning. Seattle did lose Chris Clemons which opens up a roster spot for Allen.
The dark horse to sign Allen could be the Atlanta Falcons. The team is still in search of a pass rusher to help with depth. They could easily target that position with their first pick in the NFL draft with a player like Jadeveon Clowney or even Khalil Mack with some shuffling on the line, or they could sign Allen to a cheap deal. With uncertainly around the future of Osi Umenyiora and Kroy Biermann coming back from injury, there is certainly a need for a player like Allen.
Allen will likely have to decide between a winning team and a favorable contract. Sitting on the wrong end of the NFL age scale, he is not going to get both. If it is winning the veteran wants, he could sign with the Seahawks, but the Cowboys will make a solid push in the coming days.