Vikings Need 3rd Round Pick Or Better For Jared Allen

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

Although the Vikings aren’t currently shopping their superstar defensive end Jared Allen, that doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be interested teams out there.  Fox Sports Jay Glazer says that the team has discussed the possibility of making a move before the trade deadline, and given the situation with Allen’s contract and the team’s current record, it makes things even more likely.

Jared Allen is on the wrong side of 30 years old and his production hasn’t been where it had been in the past, he is still a very effective pass rusher.  There are many teams out there that could use the help of an established veteran on the defensive line. But what is the cost that a team would have to give up in order to get Allen? Glazer also had an idea as to what it would take to accomplish a trade like that.

Glazer is correct, as usual, in his assessment.  If the Vikings were to let Allen test free agency and he were to leave, the team would likely get a 3rd round compensatory pick in the 2014 NFL.  The compensatory picks are awarded at the end of the round.  Therefore, a team could be willing to offer an earlier 3rd round pick or maybe a combination of picks (for example, a 3rd and a 6th) to try to get his services.  A competitive team that lacks a pass rush would have to be seriously putting together an offer for the Vikings to consider before the trade deadline.