Vikings Sign Veteran DE Jared Allen To A One-Day Contract To Retire With Team

The Vikings have signed veteran DE Jared Allen to a one-day contract, so he can officially retire as a member of the franchise.

“We are incredibly proud to have Jared retire as a member of the Vikings franchise,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “Jared was not only a phenomenal player on the field, but he was also a favorite among the fans and within the organization. He will always be a member of the Minnesota Vikings family.”

“Jared’s impact was evident throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul community from the moment he came to Minnesota,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “While I am very proud of his accomplishments as a football player, I am just as impressed with Jared’s leadership and personal growth during his six seasons here. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes now that he is retired from football.”

This explains why the Panthers officially released Allen on reserve/retired list on Tuesday. Carolina placed him on the list back in February after he announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 years.

Allen, 33, had two years remaining on his four-year, $32 million contract that included $15.5 million guaranteed. He was set to make a base salary of $8.5 million for the 2016 season.

Allen is a former fourth-round pick of the Chiefs back in 2004. After four years in Kansas City, he was traded to the Vikings where he played another six seasons. He would later sign on with the Bears before being sent to the Panthers in September.

Over the course of his 12-year NFL career, Allen totaled 498 tackles, 136 sacks, 32 forced fumbles, 19 recoveries, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.