Jared Allen is glad he’s still playing defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings.
He sweated out a variety of rumors up to the NFL’s trade deadline on Tuesday, but he ultimately went nowhere.
“As a matter of fact, I take it as a sign of respect that they still think I have value,” Allen said, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “But I’m excited to be a Viking. I really am. I’m excited to try to right this ship, and I’m all in.”
Allen’s contract with the Vikings expires at the end of the season, so despite the unknown future that lies ahead, Allen says he’s not focusing on anything but the Dallas Cowboys.
“Right now, it’s about winning football games. We have nine games left and a lot can happen in nine games, and we’ve made runs here before.”
Allen told Jay Glazer on Tuesday — just after the deadline passed — that he’s “proud” to play for the Vikings.
According to ProFootballTalk, Allen will earn $7.56 million over the final nine games of the season.
Deadline day in the NFL is filled with unfulfilled rumors. Monday Morning Quarterback did a great piece on why trades are so rare.
