Jared Allen update
The latest word out of Minneapolis, according to the Star-Tribune newspaper, is that Jared Allen is on the Vikings' premises, as expected.
The paper draws the logical conclusion that there is serious talk about a contract because it's believed Allen's agent, Ken Harris, is present, too. It's also suggested that an agreement on the terms of a potential trade between the Chiefs and Vikings might be close.
We'll update you when there's more to report. Right now, Allen is still tentatively scheduled to arrive here early next week. Whether that changes likely depends on how things go the rest of the day in Minny.
We got word from a very reliable source late Thursday afternoon that this deal was a long way from done with either the Vikings or Bucs. But things can change quickly when it comes to negotiations.
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.
It's too bad Tampa doesn't have the draft picks the Vikings do. That's why the Vikings will get Allen. They won't let him leave town. Zygi is the best owner in football!
Posted by: AW | April 18, 2008 at 05:10 PM
I hope my Vikings do land this super-stud. The Vikings will most likely be division champs if Jackson improves a small bit!
Posted by: garry allen | April 18, 2008 at 06:08 PM
I agree and hope Allen signs with Minnesota, but for other reasons. Yes he is a great talent, but there are well documented off field isses too. Also to trade away at least a 1st and 3rd rounder, then pay this guy one of the most lucrative contracts for a defensive player could very very easliy disrupt a unit that, even though played very well last year, is definetly in transition from established veterans (Barber and Brooks) to up and coming stars (Ruud, Adams, and Jackson to name a few).
I think the front office needs to focus on developing and keeping the talent this defense already has, and the only additions from other teams should be support or rotation guys.
Posted by: Trevor | April 18, 2008 at 08:17 PM
I hope the deal gets done soon so we can get back to the draft and make THE selection, Mike Jenkins.
Posted by: JS | April 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Allen is a right DE, I'm hoping this doesn't mean we have given up on Gaines Adams already.
Posted by: James Wilson | April 19, 2008 at 02:39 AM
James, I believe if you go back & watch 2007 games, you will find Adams was at DLE almost all the time.It is White that Allen would displace.
Posted by: mike j | April 19, 2008 at 07:33 AM
James, I believe if you go back & watch 2007 games, you will find Adams was at DLE almost all the time.It is White that Allen would displace.
Posted by: mike j | April 19, 2008 at 07:34 AM
James, I believe if you go back & watch 2007 games, you will find Adams was at DLE almost all the time.It is White that Allen would displace.
Posted by: mike j | April 19, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Jared Allen had two DUI's in the same year and got in hot water with the NFL. This guy is likely to mess up again and get maybe a long suspension. You can HAVE him, Vikings.
Posted by: richardmac | April 19, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Mike j, if I go back THREE times will I find that Adams played DLE?
Posted by: mm | April 19, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Gaines Adams played right defensive end last year. That's where speed rushers play. However, he did play left end on third downs and in long-yardage situations to allow Greg White to slide in at RDE. If Allen were to join the Bucs (not likely) he would play right end and Gaines likely would become the full time left end.
Posted by: Stephen Holder | April 19, 2008 at 05:09 PM
we should send gradkowski, simms and plummer to kansas for allen.
Is it a deal or no deal???
Posted by: | April 20, 2008 at 03:28 AM
I thought I saw Adams on the left almost exclusively during the second half of the season, but without having the games recorded I can't be sure.
Story Update:
The Bucs are reportedly dangling their first, next year's fifth, and maybe Jovan Haye for Jared Allen.
ESPN is reporting that we're dangling our 1st, next year's 5th, and possibly Jovan Haye for Jared Allen.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3351406
Posted by: Quentin | April 20, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The Bucs can still package a 1st & 3rd with a player (Simms or other) to make it more appealing. But what’s not being talked about is that Allen effectively has a say in this matter as well, and I think we have some positives to offer him…
Similar contract dollars
Warm weather / destination location
No State Income Tax
Great new facility
Playing on top 3 defense
Better coaching
Real grass vs turf in dome (career length)
Agent lives in Tampa (minor)
Posted by: mkurbo | April 20, 2008 at 02:31 PM