Vikes, Chiefs make blockbuster deal for DE Allen
The former Chiefs player has agreed to terms with the Vikings, Allen told FOXSports.com exclusively, on a contract that makes him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal is for six years and just under $74 million, including a stunning $31,000,069 guaranteed — 69 is his jersey number.
The Vikings will give up their 2008 first-round draft pick as well as two third-rounders, and the teams will swap sixth-round picks.
Acquiring Allen is a huge move for the Vikings and immediately gives them the best defensive line in the NFL. Allen joins fellow Pro Bowlers Kevin and Pat Williams as well as the very underrated Ray Edwards.
The move means the Chiefs will have two first-round picks and a slew of additional selections over the course of the draft, a solid sign for a team in rebuilding mode. Now that Allen is gone, look for the Chiefs to aim for Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston, provided he's still on the board when the Chiefs select at No. 5.
The Vikings did an exhaustive check on Allen, who missed two games last year due to suspension for a pair of DUI charges. Everyone from owner Zigi Wilf to head coach Brad Childress and the rest of the front office checked and re-checked to make sure Allen would be a model citizen, and all accounts came back positive.
On Thursday, Childress took a couple of coaches, grabbed Wilf's plane and flew to California to pick up Allen to bring him in for a two-day visit. While the Bucs were also involved, Minnesota was always Allen's top choice because it refused to harp on his past in talks and negotiations.
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