While the Minnesota Vikings have plenty of moves that need to be made regarding their offense, several key players have questionable futures on defense. Jared Allen highlights the free agent class for the Vikings. After failed contract negotiations between the two sides, Allen is poised to leave.
Allen's future was sealed when Brian Robison signed a contract extension in the middle of the 2013 season after he posted a career-high nine sacks the season before. The Vikings and Allen attempted to get a deal done with the defensive end in the offseason, but negotiations stalled after the veteran refused to take a pay cut on his next contract. With free agency approaching in March, ESPN.com reports Allen is likely to leave.
"A lot of guys try to get more money before [the deal's up]. Hey, I signed a contract for six years. They signed a contract for six years. It's very, very rare when both sides honor that. A lot of guys get let go in the last year or restructure in the last year. A lot guys, . . . they play one good year and they want to re-up," Allen said, via ESPN.com. "For me, this is the commitment I made - let me honor that. They want to honor it. So, that's great. For me, I've got no beefs, no quarrels, no nothing with it."
So where will Allen land in free agency? The first logical option is down south with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen and new head coach Lovie Smith are very familiar with one another as the Chicago Bears often faced the defensive end. However, the new Buccaneers defensive coordinator happens to be Leslie Frazier, Allen's former head coach. Allen can still be a premier pass rusher and playing alongside Gerald McCoy and Akeem Spence would certainly help that.
The Atlanta Falcons could also be interested in the veteran. The Falcons are in desperate need of boosting their defensive line and need more pass rushing players. Osi Umenyiora put up 7.5 sacks last season, but the Falcons are targeting bigger numbers. With several of their players hitting the open market, Allen could come in.
All signs point to Allen leaving Minnesota in favor of a team that might offer a little more money. Being on the wrong side of the NFL age scale and already undergoing several surgeries will not help his contract negotiations, but teams will be interested in the defensive star. Allen might have to be willing to lower his salary demands if he wants to sign quickly.
