Bears interested in Jared Allen

[Da Coach]

Minnesota pass-rushing specialist DE Jared Allen was released by the Minnesota Vikings. There are reports he will meet with the Chicago Bears today. The Bears have some extra money because of the release of Julius Peppers, and could use another quality defensive line guy like Allen.

http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/report-bears-talks-de-jared-allen

Allen is only 31 years old, and he is in great health. He has not missed a single game in the last 6 seasons. He's had 128.5 career sacks, including 11.5 last season, and a career high 22 sacks in 2011. The highest total on the Bears last season was Julius Peppers' 7 sacks. Needless to say, I'd like to see him on the Bears.

[Da Coach]

The Bears reportedly talked with Jared Allen and his agent, but the price was a bit too high for them right now, and they told Allen & his agent they are still interested, but will get back to them.
However, today the Bears made another free agent signing- and another pass-rushing Defensive End- Willie Young, who made 15 starts for the Detroit Lions last season-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-sign-willie-young-20140313,0,4480612.story

I suspect this move makes it very unlikely the Bears will pursue Allen further.

[Da Coach]

The Bears re-signed Charles Tillman to a 1 year contract.

[Da Coach]

The Bears continue to sign bargain Defensive Ends- they just signed former Bear & former Lion Israel Idonije to a 1 year contract-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-israel-idonije-signs-new-deal-20140318,0,1034678.story

[Da Coach]

Jared Allen reportedly interested in signing with the Seattle Seahawks-

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10639923/jared-allen-seattle-seahawks-reach-deal

Devin Hester to sign with the Atlanta Falcons

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10640196/devin-hester-agrees-deal-atlanta-falcons

[Big Mike]

WOW......didn't see this coming.....Jared Allen to the Bears....4 yr deal!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jared-allen-signs-four-year-deal-20140326,0,4637847.story

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1912310-jared-allen-to-bears-latest-contract-details-analysis-and-reaction

http://www.csnchicago.com/article/bears-sign-de-jared-allen-four-year-32-million-pact

[Da Coach]

Bears fans have to be happy with this signing. I see this as an upgrade over Julius Peppers. Peppers had a few good years with the Bears, but last year he was not nearly as effective. Jared Allen is a couple years younger (31 vs. Peppers 34), his salary will be a little less than Peppers, and he exceeds Peppers' numbers in many significant career statistics.


Stat......................Julius Peppers.....Jared Allen
Seasons........................12................. .10
Games........................186................. 157
Sacks..........................119................ 128.5
Interceptions...................9................. ...5
Forced fumble...............40...................30
Fumbles recovered........14...................17
Tackles.......................454................. 443
Assists........................109................ .111

[Big Mike]

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4691297/inside-slant-jared-allen-shakes-bears-up