Seattle Seahawks Won’t Overpay for Jared Allen
By Todd Pheifer
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) rushes against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen had a meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. Then, he left town…without signing a contract. Allen then made his way to Texas to meet with the Dallas Cowboys. Again, he left town without inking a deal.
What does this all mean? It means that Allen has a decision to make.
Allen is saying all the right things, as players in his position are prone to doing. He has stated that he wants to chase a ring because athletes are obligated to prioritize winning throughout their career. However, he has also suggested that he wants a deal that is fair.
We can assume that Allen recognizes the toll that football has taken on his body. If he is going to endure the punishment for one or more years, he wants to make sure he is compensated so that he can take care of his needs later in life. Whether he truly wants to win or not is unknown. Players always talk about chasing the ring, but it would not be shocking to discover that certain individuals are far more concerned with maximizing earnings.
After all, this is still business.
The Seahawks probably made an offer to Allen and because he left town without signing a contract, it is reasonable to assume that the numbers were not overwhelming. Allen could certainly help the Seahawks, but they may not feel particularly desperate for his services at this point. If anything, the Seahawks may feel like they have more to offer Allen than he has to offer them.
If Allen signs elsewhere, the Seahawks will shift personnel, sign another veteran or draft a pass rusher. The ‘Hawks can survive (and succeed) without Jared Allen.
The Cowboys are a different story. They need help in a lot of areas, and Jerry Jones is probably going to be more inclined to overpay for Allen’s services. That is just a hunch, but it would not be a shock if the ‘Boys put more money on the table in this instance.
Therefore, Allen has a decision to make unless he wants to schedule more visits. Dallas may be offering more cash, but Seattle has a clearer path to the Super Bowl. In this case, Allen may not be able to have it both ways.
So, what’s it going to be, Mr. Allen? Fast cash or a shot at a title? Time to make your choice.