Jared Allen about to sign with Seattle Seahawks
Jared Allen (69) reacts against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings free agent defensive end Jared Allen is one of the top players left on the open market, but he won’t be a free agent for much longer. ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Allen is working on the “final details” of a contract that would send him to the Seattle Seahawks, who have always looked to be the favorites to land him. Even though they re-signed superstar Michael Bennett to a team-friendly long-term deal and managed to keep DT Tony McDaniel, the Seahawks are still looking for another impact pass rusher and are always hungry to add more talent to the defensive line.
Werder also reports that Allen “could” sign today “barring unforeseen issues”, and I would be surprised if a deal doesn’t get done with that report in mind. A deal between both sides makes too much sense, as the Seahawks showed some interest in trading for Allen at the trade deadline despite the fact that the deal wouldn’t have made sense for financial reasons.
Allen is a declining player, but the 31-year-old can still put the quarterback to the ground and had 11.5 sacks last year. He is best off as a top pass rusher in some sort of a DE rotation, and he will be in the perfect situation in Seattle. A future Hall of Famer, Allen has always wanted to play for a contender and a great organization in order to enjoy himself and win a ring, and the Seahawks clearly give him the best opportunity for both. Other top teams have had interest, but nobody fits him better than Seattle.