Sporting News Predicts Allen To Remain A Chief

Given that the market for quality defensive linemen just went through the roof, there is no way the Kansas City Chiefs will let one of the NFL’s top defensive linemen get away. Chiefs GM Carl Peterson undoubtedly will use the “franchise tag” to hold on to defensive end Jared Allen if no long-term contract can be ironed out before the start of free agency.

In fact, the Chiefs likely will use the “exclusive” version of the franchise tag, which will prevent any other team from even looking at Allen. The Colts did that last year with defensive end Dwight Freeney, who ultimately signed a six-year, $72 million deal that will keep him in Indianapolis.

Allen might huff and puff about being slapped with the franchise tag, but in the end he’ll have two options: 1. Play for the one-year franchise tender; 2. or don’t play at all (and get paid nothing).