The Seattle Seahawks were hoping to still land Jared Allen despite the defensive end taking his time to make a decision about where to play in 2014. The free agent was considered the best available after spending six years with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Allen has opted for the Chicago Bears, leaving the Seahawks to continue their search for another defensive star.
Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters during the NFL meetings that the door was still open for Allen to sign with the Seahawks after two visits to Seattle. However, the defensive has closed the door, agreeing to a four-year deal worth upwards of $32 million. ESPN confirms the Bears have the option to void the deal after three years, but Allen is guaranteed $15.5 million.
Allen would have certainly been an excellent addition to the Seahawks. The team let Red Bryant walk away in free agency. While Seattle did get Michael Bennett back, the absence of Bryant leaves a big whole. So does Seattle continue looking in free agency or do they not set their focus on the NFL Draft?
If the Seahawks continue looking for a top free agent, Vince Wilfork could be an option. According to the Boston Herald, Wilfork is unhappy with the New England Patriots and went so far as to tear his name off his locker. The defensive tackle has requested a trade or release from New England after the Patriots were hoping he was decrease his $7.5 million base salary.
Owner Robert Kraft told reporters during the NFL meetings that the Patriots were very hopeful that Wilfork remained with the team and the two sides would be able to reach some kind of compromise over the salary issue.
"In pro sports, it's a business as well as commitment to one another, and we have to work through it, and I'm still not giving up hope that he'd be part of our team next year," Kraft said, via the Boston Herald. "Either we get it done or we don't. I very much hope we get it done, and I believe he very much would like to do it as well, and we've been so lucky to have him, so we'll see what happens."
If the Seahawks want another if defensive name, it would not be hard to get Wilfork. A trade might not happen, but the veteran could find himself released if the salary issue does not get worked out. In that case, the Seahawks could make a move.
