A number of weeks ago, Brett and I had a little side discussion about the possibility of the Vikings trading Jared Allen this offseason. We were even thinking about doing a little back-and-forth feature at the time, as we knew it was inevitable that some other media outlet would bring up this possibility, but we never quite managed to get around to it.
Now that I am back from a long work week, however, I took some time to review all the comments from the last few days and one jumped out to me.
In the comment, a reader says that he heard on a local radio station that a rumor is making the rounds that the Vikings are possibly (could be, maybe, potentially, maybe) considering entertaining offers for their stud right end.
Earlier this offseason, Rick Spielman went out of his way to say that Adrian Peterson was the only player that was off the table in terms of an early departure, which makes sense considering the blockbuster deal they just signed him to. He easily could have included Jared Allen in that statement, but didn’t.
So, it makes sense that the Vikings won’t trade Peterson, but would an Allen trade make sense?
First, let’s take a look at some possible reasons to consider it an option:
1. Allen just turned 30 two weeks ago, which is not an exact fit when considering Spielman’s apparent plan to build around the development of youthful players.
2. He only has two years left on his contract. Those that have reasonable expectations for this team turning things around would suggest his contract would be complete before the Vikings found themselves in serious playoff contention.
3. The team is already heavily armed with significant cap space and 10 Draft picks. Still, the picks gained from an Allen trade could be key pieces in the rebuild, as well. Not mention Allen is due to make $11.6 million this year and $14.2 million in 2013, and a trade could produce significant cap space and the ability to sign young, promising players.
4. Allen has made it clear that he does not intend to play in a 3-4 defense, and it is possible that the Vikings will look to make that transition in the relatively near future.
5. Following a year in which Allen received votes for defensive player of the year, his trade value may never again be as high as it is right now. They have a window to collect a treasure chest full of draft picks, but it isn’t clear how long that window might stay open.
Okay, so that pretty much lays out the reasons that a trade could (possibly, maybe, potentially, maybe) work out in the Vikings favor.
Now, let’s talk about some reasons that the Vikings should not trade Allen.
1. He’s their best defensive player. He is productive, and helps make a miserable secondary look less miserable, which is not an easy task.
2. He is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, last season was the best season of his career, and if he continues to improve the Vikings would look mighty foolish for letting him go. It is conceivable that he has another five years of productivity in him.
3. He is a fan favorite. Maybe not all Vikings fans love the Mullet Man, but most enjoy his enthusiasm on the field, charitable efforts off of it, and his general personality. No player has the ability to get the Metrodome crowd on their feet quite like Allen can.
4. He definitely seems to have taken on a leadership role on this defense, and his ability to mentor the younger players cannot be dismissed as not having value.
I think the Vikings have reached a point that they can at least entertain the idea of dealing Allen for the five reasons mentioned previously. However, the four reasons listed for why they should keep him means they should only listen to serious offers that are blockbuster in nature. I’m talking crazy Draft value.
If that type of offer never comes to fruition, then so be it. The worst case scenario is that the Vikings keep their best defender for another year, and then reassess the situation in a year.
So, what do you all have to say about this? Let’s hear it.
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Hey Adam, I remember years ago reading the biography of whoever owned the Chargers before Alex Spanos. Back when Fouts, Winslow, Joiner, Chandler, and my favorite receiver of all time (not named Moss), John Jefferson, had the most exciting team in the A.F.C. Anyway his attitude was to call a team and inquire about a player like Peterson, Brady, or Manning and ask about trade value. Of course the other G.M. would say, that guy is our franchise, he's off the table. The owner's response was we'll give you our next 5 #1's. The G.M.'s response was, I'm listening. The point being, no one is off the table, you just need to find a starting point and work from there; at least that was the owner's attitude. It was also a different N.F.L. back then. No free agency for one, so if you wanted someone you had to trade. Just some food for thought on some people's attitudes.
That's some good insight, 44, thanks!
Couldn't hurt to listen to offers, but they ought to be considered in proportion to what you think he is worth. The Patriots received a #1 from the Raiders for Richard Seymour at this point in his career, and albeit Al Davis always over-spent on acquired veterans, Allen at the position of a RDE/"edge-rusher" trumps in value the significance of an interior D-lineman, so...
Who would want him, though, is the question. There isn't too many teams that implement a base 43 alignment who are in contention and don't already have an all-pro caliber DE. Possibly waiting until the trade deadline next season would elicit the most value if teams like Philadelphia, Atlanta, and/or Tampa find themselves in the hunt for a post-season bid.
I've been thinking about this for quite some time have been hoping this conversation would arise. From a purely football on paper perspective, a trade makes a lot of sense. First off, the Vikings are a ways away from competing and by that time, Jared is unlikely to be the player he is. He could probably bring back multiple 1st round picks, and we have Everson Griffin waiting in the wings. That being said, trading him would not be the type of message the Vikings should be sending. He's a leader and plays with the type of passion you want your younger players to look up to. Letting him go would make an already bad defense worse, and if we accept losing, it can often be tough to get out of such ways (see the Browns).
Personally, Jared is one of my favorite Vikings. If we trade him, I'd be a bit pissed, but I'd also understand it. In the end, I hope he stays and helps mentor players that can one day be part of a fearsome defense!
I would be in favor of keeping him.. He didn't show signs of being old or waring down during the season..
And the other question how are we going to replace him. I know everson griffen isn't bad, but he is no Jared Allen.. The defense will have a harder time then.. Also it would leave us a bit thin in DE depth with only 1 unproven guy backing up Griffen and Robinson.. So we would have to use a pick on DE.. Now I don't see any.. Not any in this years draft that are near the talent of Jared Allen .. So we will at best perhaps get a mid 1st round selection.. I just don't see any DE in the mid first round that could turn out to be JA..
I may sound like a stubborn old German when I say this but NO!!!!! Jared is our team, I like him 10x more than A.P.(who I have serious doubts will ever be a good RB again). Greenway is a great player but has no impact plays, Harvin is too inconsistent and can't step up, Kalil won't have a visible impact, unless we plan on Hill/Criner/Jeffreys being the best player on the team we need to keep Jared. He is also the most likeable Viking along with bringing fire to the team.
Unless we are offered 3+ first rounders and a second I wouldn't trade him. Griffin/Robison wouldn't even strike fear into Ponder in practice with Charlie Johnson blocking at LT.
Bill belechick has said himself the worst mistake he has made was getting rid of Seymour, why should we do the same. ELITE def linemen that get 22 sacks with no secondary support do not grow on tree's. "Eave the mulleted one be.
It's certainly a difficult one. I think unless the compensation was too good to ignore, in the order of 3 or more first round picks it would be tough to justify, especially to the fan base. He's the heart and soul of the defence but with the team a few years away from competing, maybe it's something worth exploring...
I agree with this. Anything less than 3 first round picks is unacceptable. Once the number hits 3, we start listening
Leave Jared alone! :)
That's my opinion.
Brett's right leave him alone. I for one would change the channel when Vikes are on defense if they trade Jared.
Johnny,
That would make 2 of us...
jared allen needs to remain on the team..no ifs ans or butts about it....let him retire a viking...