Jared Allen Ready To Retire If He Doesn’t Receive The Deal He Deserves

NFL free agent defensive lineman Jared Allen has never been shy when it comes to sharing his thoughts on himself, football, or any other topic he wants to talk about. The 31 year old multi-time Pro Bowler is still productive on the field, registering 11.5 sacks last year, his sixth-straight double-digit sack season, for a lack-luster Minnesota Vikings team, and he is looking to use free agency to land with a team that can be a real contender to win the Super Bowl next year. He is also looking to make sure he pens a lucrative contract that gets him fair market money for his value and contributions.

NFL.com is reporting that Jared Allen is ready to walk away from football altogether if he can’t find a team who has a shot at a championship and can offer him the contract he is looking for.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport said on Wednesday that Allen may be serious about walking away from football if he doesn’t get a deal he deems worthy, saying:

“I will tell you this, Jared Allen has a ton of admiration for Barry Sanders, who walked away from football while still having his best, still able to play at a high level. He walked on his own terms, it’s something Jared Allen has always respected.”

As The Inquisitr reported earlier this week, the Denver Broncos were said to be one of the most likely places for Jared Allen to land in free agency, as the Broncos have put an emphasis on using free agents to bolster their mediocre defense. John Elway has picked up some major free agents for his team’s defense, including safety T.J. Ward and cornerback Aqib Talib.

Allen was expected to be among those signings, until former Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware seemed to step into Allen’s spot as the Bronco’s favorite to sign. On Wednesday morning Ware signed a three-year, $30 millon deal with the Broncos, leaving Jared Allen on the outside looking in.

It might not be over just yet for Allen, however. The Seattle Times is reporting that the Seahawks are one of the teams still speaking with Jared Allen, as they recently cut Red Bryant and lost free agent Clinton McDonald to the Buccaneers. The Seahawks did manage to re-sign Michael Bennett, and the addition of Allen would provide Seattle with a potent defensive pass rush.

The Chicago Bears are also possibly in the hunt for Jared Allen’s services NBC Sports reports, as the Bears have lost DE Julius Peppers.

Both the Seahawnks and Bears seem to be making the pass rush a priority during free agency, and while neither team has a ton of salary cap space to work with, Seattle would likely have to make cuts in order to add Jared Allen to the roster. Either way, Jared Allen may not be walking away from football just yet. He just wants to make it clear that he’s ready to if need be.

[Feature Image Courtesy of: MSN Fox Sports]