It had been expected for some time and all but confirmed when the Vikings re-signed defensive end Everson Griffen, but defensive end Jared Allen made his departure from Minnesota official on Saturday night.
Allen’s agent Ken Harris said that Allen does not know where he’ll wind up playing in 2014, but that the decision was made to let the Vikings know that Allen’s time with the team was done.
“He made his decision to narrow it down [Saturday] night after I had a final conversation with the club,” Harris said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
After opening their wallet to sign Griffen and Brian Robison, the Vikings pretty much told Allen, the 16th-ranked free agent on PFT‘s Hot 100, the same thing. Allen’s run with the Vikings comes to an end after six seasons, 85.5 sacks and plenty of recognition as one of the best pass rushers in the league.
Those skills will now be put to use for another defense, with Allen saying last week that he’s looking for “a chance to win” and a “fair contract” above all else.
