The top remaining player on the PFT Free Agent Hot 100 is former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. And Allen continues to draw plenty of interest.
Agent Ken Harris told PFT on Monday night that he spoke on Allen’s behalf with “several teams” during the three-day pre-free agency negotiating period, and that conversations with “several teams” continue. While Allen has asked Harris not to comment on specific discussions or visits with other teams, multiple reports have indicated that Allen visited the Seahawks on Sunday, and that he’ll visit the Cowboys on Tuesday.
Allen nevertheless authorized Harris to explain that they “have been amazed” by the fact that “many people apparently believe” Allen rejected a $30 million offer during the negotiating period.
“While we feel that a player with his consistent production deserves a fair contract, that offer was not made to him,” Harris said.
Harris points out that Allen’s 11.5 sacks in 2013 topped the production of all other free-agent defensive ends, with the exception of Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (who currently is under contract after signing the franchise tender).
Allen averages 12.8 sacks per year, and he has averaged 15.1 in the last three.
“Jared loves the game of football, so if he finds the proper fit we will act on it,” Harris said.
From a charitable standpoint, Allen found the right fit with his Home for Wounded Warriors Foundation. He was back in Minnesota on Monday, giving another home to an injured solder. You can support the effort with a donation, if you’d like.
From a football standpoint, the fit depends on Allen’s priorities. Some teams (like the Seahawks) will offer a better chance to win. Others (like the Cowboys) could offer more money. For Allen, who continues to play at a high level and be a positive force on the field and in the locker room, his decision will be shaped in large part whether the goal is to maximize his chances of winning a Super Bowl or maximizing his earning potential.
While it’s easy to say the priority should be winning, there’s only so much only one player can control in that regard. Given the physical risks that players take, there’s nothing wrong with maximizing the number of zeroes that will show up on the W-2.