Report: Jared Allen nearing deal with Seahawks
Mar 20, 2014, 12:45 PM | Updated: 1:18 pm
By Brady Henderson
How would this be for a splash?
After losing more players than they’ve added during the first week and a half of free agency, the Seahawks are reportedly close to a deal with free-agent defensive end Jared Allen.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Allen is “working on the final details of a contract” with Seattle and could sign it as early as Thursday barring an unforeseen snag. Werder reported earlier than Allen is making his second visit with the Seahawks after meeting with Dallas earlier this week.
That’s not to say it’s a done deal. Allen’s agent, Ken Harris, told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that his client is visiting Seattle and “that’s it for now.”
Allen, 31, is one of the best pass rushers of his generation, posting 128.5 sacks during his 10 seasons. That includes at least 11 in eight of those seasons, a career-high 22 in 2011 and 11.5 in 2013, his final year with Minnesota.
Werder told 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Brock and Danny” Thursday that Allen would have to accept a complementary role with the Seahawks, an indication that he may not be an every-down player in Seattle’s defense should the two sides reach a deal. It would be a concession for a player who has been a starter his entire career.
Allen’s price tag has reportedly been a sticking point so far. Werder told “Brock and Danny” that he had a “walk-away number” in mind at the start of free agency and that he was prepared to retire if no team met it.
