Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen traded to Vikings
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen has moved from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings on a six-year deal, the Vikings said on Wednesday.
Allen, who led the league with 15-1/2 sacks last season, has been traded for Minnesota's 2008 first-round pick, the 17th overall, and also their two third-round selections.
Although financial terms were not disclosed, local media estimated Allen's six-year deal to be worth $31 million in guaranteed money.
"I'm excited to meet the fans at the Vikings Draft Party on Saturday," Allen, 26, was quoted as saying on Minnesota's official website (www.vikings.com).
"I look forward to jumping into this head first and engulfing myself in purple and gold. I am ready to play some football and win some games."
Allen's arrival will strengthen a defensive line already featuring Pro Bowlers Kevin Williams and Pat Williams and will bolster the Vikings' aspirations in the NFC.
"My life just got easier," Allen added. "Having those two defensive tackles as team mates is going to be tremendous. Those guys are both proven veterans in this league who have been to Pro Bowls and they take pride in their work.
"The little time I've spent with them, they've been great. The only problem we're going to have is who's going to get to the quarterback first."
Allen, an All-Pro in 2007, was a fourth-round pick by the Chiefs in 2004. He led the Chiefs in sacks with 11 in 2005 and 15-1/2 in 2007.
(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris)
