Jared Allen will meet with the Seattle Seahawks for a second time and could decide to sign with the defending Super Bowl champions in a few days, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.
The longtime Vikings star pass rusher met for a first time with Seattle on Sunday before traveling back home to Minnesota. After doing some work with his Homes for Wounded Warriors charity on Monday, Allen flew to Dallas where he had dinner with Cowboys officials. While meetings reportedly went well, the Cowboys decided to sign former Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, thus making any deal with Allen unlikely.
Allen made it clear before free agency began that he wanted a “fair contract” and a “chance to win.” The Seahawks would give the soon to be 32-year-old Allen an immediate chance to win, but Pro Football Talk questions if they can give him a contract he’ll consider fair. Seattle has expected contract extensions coming for Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman and Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, and quarterback Russell Wilson’s contract expires next season.
Werder also reports that Allen is seeking $10 million per season, similar to what Julius Peppers got from Green Bay and what DeMarcus Ware received from the Broncos.
Sports Illustrated’s Josh Sanchez says Allen “may be better off leaving the sport” because it’s unlikely the Cowboys or Seahawks pay him what he wants. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press hears the Seahawks may offer Allen a one-year deal worth only $4 million.
At the same time, the National Football Post says that a second trip to Seattle suggests the two sides are willing to work out a deal.
Pat Kirwin of CBS Sports upped the ante with this opinion:
After studying him, I say Allen is better than most and will eventually strike a four-year deal worth $36 million ($9M average) with $17 million guaranteed. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks stay in the race for Allen.
Allen has averaged 14 1/2 sacks over the last seven seasons.
