The Chicago Bears announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with Jared Allen. The 31-year-old defensive end signed a four-year deal.
Wait, what? Last week, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that Allen was visiting the Seattle Seahawks a second time and would be signing with the team. The thought of Allen, who has registered at least 11 sacks in every season since 2007, joining the defending Super Bowl champions was downright terrifying. Either Werder’s sources were misinformed or something fell through.
Instead, the Bears have landed a premier pass rusher who should be able to fill the void left when Julius Peppers was released. Allen likely won’t come close to the 22 sacks he recorded in 2011, but he can still terrorize opposing quarterbacks and should fit in nicely with Chicago’s aggressive style of play on defense.
Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reported that the deal includes $15.5 million guaranteed.
