Vikings To Approach DE Jared Allen About Restructuring His Contract?

Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities writes that there’s a good chance the Vikings approach DE Jared Allen regarding restructuring his contract.

Allen, 30, is set to make $14.3 million next season and counts $17 million against the Vikings cap.

Pelissero adds that “it remains to be seen how much new money they’re willing to commit to a player who may be entering decline.”

Considering that Allen is entering into the final year of his current deal, it seems reasonable that they could discuss a contract extension that would keep him in Minnesota behind next season.

Allen battled through a torn labrum in his left shoulder this year and still managed to register 12 sacks. Pro Football Focus has Allen rated as the No. 25 best 4-3 defensive end, which is a large drop from last year when he was rated No. 5.

This illustrates Pelissero’s concerns that Allen could be on the downswing of his career, but playing with a torn labrum is almost certain to impact someone’s overall performance.