Jared Allen Job Shopping With Cowboys, Seahawks

Jared Allen is one of the most sought after defensive players in the NFL this year. The Minnesota Viking seems to be enjoying the free agency period as Allen’s name has been mentioned in connection with the Dallas Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks and a host of other teams.

NFL.com reports that Allen just wrapped up a visit with the Seahawks over the weekend and is now headed back to his home in Arizona to think things over. Seattle is reportedly interested in Jared despite the fact that they are butting up against the cap and have a ton of returning players they still need to sign.

Seattle’s interest in Allen didn’t just materialize this offseason, the Seahawks inquired about Jared’s availability with the Vikings before last year’s trade deadline.

Jared Allen isn’t going to just be talking to the Seahawks, even if the interest is mutual. There are a host of teams looking to bring in the coveted pass rusher, including the Dallas Cowboys.

Allen has also claimed that he doesn’t need to continue playing football if he doesn’t get the right contract. CBSSports reports that Jared has been spending quite a bit of time working with his charitable foundation over the winter. There have been numerous reports that Allen has been talking about retiring for quite some time.

If the Cowboys or the Seahawks lost out on Allen it would indeed be a rather big loss. Since he entered the league, no player has compiled more sacks than Jared. Allen may not have been as dominant as his $10 million asking price might indicate but he posted 11.5 sacks. There are few defenses who couldn’t use that kind of pass rushing ability.

Jared’s average of more than 13 sacks a season over his career makes him one of the best in his generation, but his age is working against him. Allen’s continued talk about retiring probably isn’t helping either.

Teams want a pass rusher who has a motor that just won’t stop. Considering that Jared is talking about only playing as long as he gets a big contract, that doesn’t mesh. When all is said and done, either Seattle, or the Cowboys or another team who wants to rev up its offense will likely offer Jared the contract he’s looking for.

Jared Allen is simply too good a player to walk away from the league when defense is highly sought after this offseason.