Is Jared Allen The Odd Man Out?
By Adam Carlson
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) celebrates after forcing a fumble that is recovered for a touchdown by defensive end Brian Robison (96) against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
With the news of Brian Robison signing a 4 year extension worth 28.3 million dollars today and the news that the Vikings have been in negotiations with Everson Griffen for quite some time now, you have to wonder where that leaves Jared Allen. All three players were in the last years of their contracts prior to the Robison extension earlier today. With the Vikings seemingly trying hard to secure both Robinson and Griffen, it really makes you wonder if Jared Allen is in the future plans of the Minnesota Vikings.
Jul 26, 2013; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) stretches during training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
This year, Jared Allen is really hurting the Vikings with the salary cap. He is taking up $17,063,956 of the team’s resources that could be used to bring in more talent to the team. Plus, his production since his nearly record breaking 22 sack performance in 2011 has been on the decline. Last year, he managed to get 12 sacks and so far he has 3.5 this year. Jared’s also not getting any younger. He turned 31 earlier this year.
Although 12 sacks is nothing to scoff at, for that price, the Vikings should demand more. Sadly, the team most likely won’t have the resources to sign Allen back and would most likely lose a bidding war if the popular defensive end hits the free market when he becomes a free agent.
Jared Allen is one of the faces of the franchise. Sadly, it seems as though this may be the last year that we see that face in a Minnesota Vikings helmet.