Kansas City Chiefs Jared Allen Traded to Vikings

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen has been traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The six-year $74 million deal was announced early this morning by NFL.com and includes $34 million in guaranteed money.

In return, the Chiefs will obtain the Vikings first round pick (17^th overall) and their two third round draft picks. Under this deal, Allen will be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

The Chiefs coming off a dismal 4-12 season and a nine game losing streak are looking to add key new additions to the team with the new draft picks from this trade. This opens up a huge opportunity for the Chiefs with three of the first 20 picks and a total six draft picks in the first 82 of the draft. The Chiefs will look to continue their rebuilding process and should add key players on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield.

Minnesota is filling a need position on their defensive line, Allen a pro-bowl defensive end lead the country in 2007 with 15.5 sacks. The Vikings coming off an 8-8 season and second place in the NFC North look to improve their defense with this addition. Last year the Vikings had the best defense against the run, and look to continue their domination on the defensive side of the ball.

Allen does come with baggage. In 2006 he was cited for multiple DUI convictions and was suspended for the first two games of the 2007 season. He also had a DUI conviction back in 2002. One more could mean a year suspension or other serious problems for the pro-bowler. Although he has said he has quit drinking completely, he hasn't proved that yet and therefore is still a possible risk for the Vikings. This could be a disaster in the making, or turn out to be an excellent trade if Allen can keep his word and remain out of trouble with the law. Teammates have vouched for his sobriety and he has remained adamant that he has quit for good.

Allen was a fourth round pick in the 2004 season after playing college ball at Idaho State. Allen started 31 games for Idaho State and was a 4-time All-Big Sky Conference selection. Allen had 250 tackles and 38.5 sacks over his four years in college.

The starting defensive end for the AFC in the 2008 pro-bowl, Allen has remained with the Chiefs his entire NFL career.