NFL: Jared Allen no longer a Viking.

[ClonesTwentyOne]

Jared Allen won't return to Vikings, to test free agency for 1st time - CBSSports.com

Makes things even more interesting on Draft Day. Doubt Clowney will be there at #8, but would be awesome. Clowney, Manziel, or Bridgewater....or bust for me at #8.

 

[CycloneNorth]

I say go for defensive help with our first pick. Last year it was the defense that ended up costing the Vikes a lot of games. I don't know how many times they had the lead with under a few minutes left and lost.

 

[Rabbuk]

can't blame the guy for jumping off that garbage fire.

 

[clonehenge]

They resigned Everson Griffin and are reportedly still wanting to get Michael Johnson...so sounds like they'll have DE taken care of...

 

[Rhoadhoused]

They resigned Everson Griffin and are reportedly still wanting to get Michael Johnson...so sounds like they'll have DE taken care of...

Robison has the other spot locked up and Griffen was probably the #2 DE available in FA. I'm very happy they re-signed him.

Good luck to JA. A contender will pay him a lot more than the Vikings would want to.

I don't see a need at DE anymore for the Vikings at all. I think this opens up the Vikings options a lot.
I'm thinking one of these scenarios happens, in order of how much I would like it.

1) Teddy B, Bortles, or maybe even Jonny Manziel drop to 8. I wouldn't love Manziel but I could talk myself into it. Teddy B would be a homereun at 8, Bortles would be fine.

2) Trade up a couple spots for Bortles or Bridgewater.

3) Trade down and take Carr or Mettenberger in the mid-late first for and stockpile picks in a deep draft.

4) Take best defensive player available and grab Carr or Mettenberger in the 2nd.

The Vikings are lucky that the positions on defense that they need can be filled in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, where they have 3 picks. They need LB help and they need a #2 CB. Also a NT. And on offense all they need minus QB is a G.

 

[Wesley]

Just a dumpster fire in the Twin Cities.

Matt Friggin Cassel.

Matt Timeout Cassel.

Matt Backup Cassel.

$10M for 2 years. What a Travesty.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

If you think letting JA go to FA is bad for the Vikings you are an idiot. It's a win win.
Also, gonna repost this:


Vikings defensive needs are at #2 CB, MLB, OLB, and NT. If they can sign Verner in FA they could really really shore up the defense. And if Chad Greenway could just become an average LB again.

 

[Mr Janny]

Jared Allen won't return to Vikings, to test free agency for 1st time - CBSSports.com

Makes things even more interesting on Draft Day. Doubt Clowney will be there at #8, but would be awesome. Clowney, Manziel, or Bridgewater....or bust for me at #8.

If you've been following it, this has been pretty much expected since last year. His age, his slowdown in production, and the type of salary he was likely going to command, made it doubtful that Allen was going to be a Viking for the 2014 season. This is not a surprise. Jared knew this was coming, as did the Vikings.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

2014 Minnesota Vikings Free Agency: Verner, NT Interest | Vikings Territory

 

[Wesley]

Looks like Dallas Cowboy bait.

 

[CyCrazy]

Just a dumpster fire in the Twin Cities.

Matt Friggin Cassel.

Matt Timeout Cassel.

Matt Backup Cassel.

$10M for 2 years. What a Travesty.

I am just glad he isn't KC problem anymore.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

If you've been following it, this has been pretty much expected since last year. His age, his slowdown in production, and the type of salary he was likely going to command, made it doubtful that Allen was going to be a Viking for the 2014 season. This is not a surprise. Jared knew this was coming, as did the Vikings.

Yep. MIN would have kept him if they could get a discount, but he didn't want to do that and that absolutely fine. Minneosta is building a young talented roster and backup DE is not a priority compared to some defensive gaps they have.

 

[FarminCy]

Not sure how losing Jared Allen is considered a dumpster fire. He is no longer an every play DE and the Vikes know that but Jared hasn't accepted that reality. They will be better at DE next year if they land Johnson.

I would like like to see them go all D the first two rounds and pick up a QB in the third. Offense will be improved this year if the line is back to healthy and Cassel can play within his skill set. D was the difference from winning 9 games instead of 5 last year. Need another interior DL and any LB help they can get.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

Just a dumpster fire in the Twin Cities.

Matt Friggin Cassel.

Matt Timeout Cassel.

Matt Backup Cassel.

$10M for 2 years. What a Travesty.

Who is your favorite team again?



Also, there is no chance Johnson signs with the Vikings now. Robison and Griffen are the starters now. It was likely Griffen or Johnson.

 

[ClonesTwentyOne]

Looks like Dallas Cowboy bait.

Would hate to see Allen as a Cowboy.

 

[cmjh10]

Jared Allen won't return to Vikings, to test free agency for 1st time - CBSSports.com

Makes things even more interesting on Draft Day. Doubt Clowney will be there at #8, but would be awesome. Clowney, Manziel, or Bridgewater....or bust for me at #8.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you should expect to be highy disappointed come draft day if these are your expectations. Maziel is the only that has a chance at falling that fall, and that is slim to none. Plus, like everyone else has said, Vikings need defense. Khalil Mack would be a great pick at #8.

 

[jbindm]

Would hate to see Allen as a Cowboy.

I wouldn't count on it. As of today Dallas was a paltry 2 mil under the salary cap. They can get to 9 mil under it but they'll have to cut DeMarcus Ware to do so. At any rate, if Allen wants to get paid AND play for a contender, Dallas is a poor choice. And really, his chances of getting paid aren't that good either if you look at what the top pass rusher free agents got last year. Freeney and Umenyiora did ok but not great. If he wants a ring before he retires his best move is an organization built to win right now. Two franchises that immediately come to mind - the Pats (Belichick loves smart vets) and possibly Indy. If the road to the AFC championship goes through Denver again, these teams are going to need all the pass rush ammo they can get.

 

[Mr Janny]

I wouldn't count on it. As of today Dallas was a paltry 2 mil under the salary cap. They can get to 9 mil under it but they'll have to cut DeMarcus Ware to do so. At any rate, if Allen wants to get paid AND play for a contender, Dallas is a poor choice. And really, his chances of getting paid aren't that good either if you look at what the top pass rusher free agents got last year. Freeney and Umenyiora did ok but not great. If he wants a ring before he retires his best move is an organization built to win right now. Two franchises that immediately come to mind - the Pats (Belichick loves smart vets) and possibly Indy. If the road to the AFC championship goes through Denver again, these teams are going to need all the pass rush ammo they can get.

both of those spots would be perfect for Allen. He's more effective on a team that's playing with the lead, because he's able to basically ignore run defense. He's still got something to contribute, but not on a Minnesota team that's likely going to be rebuilding again on defense, next year.

 

[jbindm]

both of those spots would be perfect for Allen. He's more effective on a team that's playing with the lead, because he's able to basically ignore run defense. He's still got something to contribute, but not on a Minnesota team that's likely going to be rebuilding again on defense, next year.

Exactly. And this is what guys like Urlacher can't accept - the quickest way to become irrelevant in the NFL is to pay guys for what they were instead of what they are now. It was cap math. Allen's production declined as his cap number went up. Sucks, but welcome to the modern day NFL.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

As a lifelong Viking fan all I can say is "please not Johnny Manziel"