As the NFL enters its second week of free agency, longtime Vikings star defensive end Jared Allen remains unsigned.
The 31-year-old visited the Seahawks over the weekend, but he left without a deal, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. It was his first free-agent visit.
Rapoport says Allen isn’t done making visits, and he could hop on a plane to visit another team this week. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, that team is expected to be the Dallas Cowboys. Rapoport reports the meeting will take place on Tuesday. With their release of DeMarcus Ware and the possibility of Anthony Spencer leaving through free agency, the Cowboys have a major need for a pass rusher.
NFL.com reports Allen has turned down multiple offers, and no deal with the Seahawks is imminent.
Allen, despite being closer to the end of his career than the beginning, finished last season with 11 1/2 sacks – his sixth-straight season with double-digit sacks. He’s averaged 13 sacks per season over his 10-year career. If he can’t find a team that suits him, Allen is said to be open to the idea of retirement.
ESPN reports that Allen is spending Monday in Luverne, Minnesota with his Homes for Wounded Warriors charity. He’ll be unveiling a remodeled home for Luverne native Andrew Hanson, who lost both his legs in Iraq in 2007.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers signed free agent Julius Peppers. The former Bears defensive end caused the Vikings plenty of headaches over the years, and he’ll have a chance to do so twice per year again with the Packers.
