Tom Pelissero of USA Today mentions that after speaking to people at the Combine, he “wouldn’t be surprised at all if the market for Jared Allen includes the Buccaneers.”
Pelissero admits that he’s connecting a few dots here, but adds that Tampa Bay will close to the same scheme he played in while in Minnesota and Leslie Frazier “loves him.”
This isn’t exactly the first time we’ve heard this idea proposed, however, it’s notable that others at the Combine believe this could be something to watch in the coming weeks.
On Friday, Allen’s agent, Ken Harris, mentioned that he had a “very positive, constructive” meeting with the Vikings brass Thursday and would love to be back next season. Allen is expected to keep the Vikings informed of the offers he receives from teams in free agency.
Allen, 31, has played for Frazier for the past six seasons and fits an obvious need for the Buccaneers at defensive end. Allen has been an extremely productive player during his time in Minnesota, and although his 2013 season wasn’t as good as years past, he still manged to tally 11.5 sacks, 52 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Jason La Canfora recently listed the Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots, 49ers, Colts, Falcons and Packers as teams to watch for Allen in free agency, although there are some questionable fits there.
Pro Football Focus has Allen rated as the No. 34 among qualifying 4-3 defensive ends. We have him listed as the No. 40 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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