Jared Allen has been one of the most productive members of the Minnesota Vikings. He has started 80 straight games for the team and has come close to breaking several NFL defensive records. He is certainly hoping to get paid for that too. The defensive end is reaching the final year of his contract, but said the team has not said one word to him about a new deal.
The 31-year old pass rushing specialist is set to earn $14.3 million this season in the final year of his contract. He will be a $17 million hit to the salary cap. This puts the Vikings in a tough spot financially.
Many believe the Vikings will try and find a way to lower Allen's numbers for the season so they can drive and save salary cap space. It is unclear if that will be through some sort of restructuring deal or a contract extension. Either way, Allen said the team has not spoken to him about any sort of offer.
"You use the word restructure and that to me makes it feel like they'd want me to take a pay cut. And if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I'd be through the first door out of there. So no. We have talked one iota. It is what it is," Allen said.
Allen said he is not worried about discussions right now. He is only concerned with the 2013 season and becoming a better player and making the Vikings a better team. He intends on addressing the contract once the offseason hits in 2014.
Come 2014, Allen will be a free agent. If the Vikings fail to offer him the right kind of contract, he is prepared to walk away from the team. Plenty of teams will come calling for the defensive star that has dominated the NFL in recent years. While he is approaching the older end of the league, he has still remained productive in Minnesota.
The Vikings may be playing it cautious due to Allen's recent injury history. He recently had knee and shoulder surgery earlier in the offseason. Pairing that with his age does not exactly put him in a good light. His status with the team will likely become a large storyline during the season. Minnesota fans might have to start realizing that Allen could not be with the team come next season.
