2014 NFL Free Agency: 20 Best Additions
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
DE Jared Allen
Former Team: Minnesota Vikings
New Team: Chicago Bears
Contract: Four Years, $24 Million ($15.5 Million Guaranteed)
How Chicago Will Benefit:
After letting DE Julius Peppers sign with the cheese heads to the North, Chicago needed to fill the void left at the defensive end position. Sure, Peppers was all around a great player, however the Bears signing of Jared Allen is perhaps one of the best moves they have made this off-season. With Jared “Sack Man” Allen on their side, the Bears get a pass rusher who can take down QBs better than anybody in the NFC. Throughout his 10 year career as a defensive end, Allen has proven to be one of the league’s best, sacking opposing QBs a total of 128.5 times in his career. His best season came as a Viking in 2011 when he recorded 22 sacks, 66 total tackles four forced fumbles and one interception. Last year Allen was able to sack opposing QBs 11.5 times, tackle ball carriers 52 times and defend 6 passes. This year at the DE position, Allen will give the Bears a sack-happy presence on the outside who can get pressure on the QB and even record some big sacks/forced fumbles. Everyone knows the Bears have been known for their turnovers. I think with the addition of Allen, QBs will be forced to watch their backs, causing them to be anxious and maybe throw and interception or two as a result.
How Minnesota Can Benefit:
From Minnesota’s standpoint the loss of Allen is pretty huge. Other than Adrian Peterson, Allen was the Vikings only star power. Now all they have is Peterson. In all honestly, I have no idea how Minnesota can benefit from Allen signing with the Bears. In fact it does more hurt than help. Thus far in the off-season they have acquired former Giant DT Linval Joseph, Bear DE Corey Wootton, and Carolina CB Captain Munnerlyn through free agency. I guess where they can benefit most is through the NFL Draft in May. At the moment though they don’t have very much to work with considering all of the good DEs are already gone. This off-season the Vikes front office is going to have to make a lot of hard decisions in terms of its’ draft strategy and philosophy going forward.