Allen wraps up Minnesota visit
Because of a rule that limits franchise-player visits to 48 hours, Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen was expected to leave Minneapolis today without a deal being finalized between the Kansas City and the Vikings.
Whether Allen's next stop is Tampa Bay remains to be seen, but it's expected that he'll follow through with his plans to visit with the Bucs early this week.
The Chiefs are trying to maximize the compensation they would receive in a potential trade for the Pro Bowl player, something that has been a sticking point in negotiations with both the Vikings and Bucs. The Vikings remain in better position to make the sweeter offer because of their plentiful draft picks. The Bucs have just five picks in next week's draft. The latest reports indicate the Vikings are offering a first- and third-round pick, but those same reports say the Chiefs are holding out for first- and second-round selections.
One thing about this story is that the information is being kept very much under wraps. That usually means the sides are in the midst of some heated negotiations. But with all the moving parts here -- the Chiefs, Vikings, Bucs and Allen -- we're hoping some word leaks soon.
In the meantime, the Allen watch in Tampa will continue.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder, Dave Scheiber and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
YES! i was hoping he would make it out of there now is the chance that brue allen needs to keep him in tampa and make sur he doesnt get out without a contract and bruce should trade 1 round in 2009 and chris simms to seal that deal.
Posted by: devin | April 20, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Simms hasn't been himself for a while now... how do we know the Chiefs are even interested? Also, I think the Chiefs want 2008 draft picks. Would they be willing to wait another season especially when Simms would probably not be an immediate starter anyway? It seems, from what I have read, the Chiefs want immediate results from this trade. The Buccs would certainly have that.
Posted by: Jesse | April 20, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Allen doesn't need to mortgage the future for this guy.
Yes, I would love to have him, but not at the current asking price of a #1 and/or #2 pick.
If Randy Moss could be had for a #4th, this guy can be had for less then a #1.
This team needs a WR/CB and even stud DT more than a DE.
Posted by: Carmineb37 | April 21, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Every player has different circumstances Carmine. Moss is an older player who just came off two bad years and was being accused of dogging it. That type of player will not get you a first round pick. Allen is going to his prime and is coming off a few strong years. As a GM and coach, you know Allen is a legit NFL player. These college guys, haven't proven anything in the NFL. You can trade a first and second for a sure thing or gamble with scouting reports and interviews on two players who may not make it in the league. Me personally, i'll go with the sure thing. The contract negotiations is the only drawback with Allen. He will demand a heavy price.
Posted by: DR | April 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I agree with DR :(
Posted by: Kurt | April 21, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Kurt: You don't hear that every day!
Posted by: Stephen Holder | April 21, 2008 at 02:07 PM
wow i guess lightning strikes twice(unfortunately that can't be said about the tampa bay lightning) because i agree with DR again
Posted by: shane | April 21, 2008 at 09:11 PM