Free Agency 2014: Broncos Potential Pass Rush Targets Include Jared Allen

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) reacts against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Back at the NFL’s trading deadline, I thought the Denver Broncos should take a long look at adding Jared Allen, even at his salary number specifically for a Super Bowl run. At that point in time, Von Miller was still healthy and getting back into the swing of things, so the thought was to pair him with Von as a pass rusher, not replace him.

Incidentally, the Broncos could have really used Allen or at least hypothetically they could have in the Super Bowl on Sunday, but that’s beside the point.

The point now is, the Broncos were interested in Allen for a price, and now they can get him on the open market at an even reduced one. I see no reason why they won’t call the Vikings pass rusher when Free Agency and the new league year kick off in March.

The Broncos will be getting a ton of reinforcements next year, at least on paper. With Von Miller rehabbing from major knee surgery, they are going to need to plan as if he won’t be ready for week one, or at least that’s my opinion. You don’t want to bank on a guy coming back from knee injury, and I know this all too well being a Chicago Bulls fan.

I don’t think Allen’s price tag is going to be out of this world, and I believe the Broncos and he would have mutual interest. Jared Allen isn’t racking up 22 sacks these days, but he’s a guy that, in a rotation, could be a very effective player in Denver. He can obviously still rush the passer, he’s aggressive, and he’s kind of got that crazy personality that would add some much needed spice to the Denver defense.

Getting Allen on a two-year deal seems reasonable, but at his asking price, there will likely be a variety of contenders vying for his services. Getting him in a group  that includes breakout player Malik Jackson and recovering players Derek Wolfe and Von Miller seems to make sense to me in terms of adding a veteran presence to the pass rush.