April 23, 2008

Chiefs trade Jared Allen to Minnesota: : League leading sack specialist Jared Allen has been traded to Minnesota for first and third round draft picks.

read story | posted by Tinman to Football at 11:36 AM CDT (22 comments total)

The trade beckons the questions: What will they do to shore up the defensive line? And, how will Herm Edwards and King Carl spend six of the first 82 picks?

posted by Tinman at 11:40 AM CDT on April 23

This is interesting. Trading a known success for three unknowns? I am a huge Chiefs fan, and it has been sad to watch them kind of implode over the last few years. I understand that something had to be done, but wow.

posted by hawkguy at 11:44 AM CDT on April 23

This is a good trade. The Chiefs have a ton of holes and can shore up multiple positions this draft. A couple of years down the road, this will probably be the kind of thing that gets them back to winning.

posted by dfleming at 11:50 AM CDT on April 23

Interesting:

'When I asked one Chiefs official how the Chiefs possibly could get better without the NFL’s sack leader, he asked back: “How many of those sacks were in the fourth quarter?” The correct answer to that is zero.'

posted by yerfatma at 1:35 PM CDT on April 23

This isn't a good trade, dfleming -- it's an excellent one. There was absolutely no way Jaren Allen was going to sign in KC after this season, and at that point he walks and the Chiefs get nothing for him. Even if they did keep him, what does Allen do for Kansas City this season when they certainly aren't going to be any better than they were last year? Could he lead them to the playoffs?

Now Kansas City has the opportunity at the draft to sit back and get a solid rookie DE who hopefully won't be driving around town drunk, trade up and get Glenn Dorsey or trade down even farther and fill more holes.

Is there some way we can get KC's management to explain this process to the Maple Leafs?

posted by wfrazerjr at 1:57 PM CDT on April 23

From the Viking fan perspective, I am quite happy with this deal. Considering the staggering number of 1st-round picks the Vikings have wasted on defensive linemen that didn't pan out over the last 15 years (and the likelihood that they'd have done the same thing again this year), I'm quite happy to take the proven commodity.

As for the 4th quarter stat, I would strongly suggest looking at the Chiefs' schedule/results from last year and asking, "How frequently were their opponents throwing the ball in the 4th quarter?" Considering that the Chiefs lost their last 9 games, it is likely their opponents were running the ball a lot in the 4th. (The Chiefs were 28th in the league in rush defense, so I'd run the ball against them a lot, too.)

On top of that, you're taking last year's sack leader and putting him on the same line with the best tackle tandem in the NFL. The Vikings led the league in rush defense last season, and with an elite pass rusher on the end (who won't be seeing many double-teams thanks to Kevin and Pat Williams), their defense could rise to an elite level.

Which leads to the following statement: This is the year the Vikings really find out if Tarvaris Jackson is their QB of the future. They should almost win the NFC North by default (the Pack will struggle without Favre, especially if/when Rodgers gets hurt, the Bears are imploding, and the Lions are the Lions), but a solid season from Jackson could make them a contender in the NFC.

posted by TheQatarian at 1:59 PM CDT on April 23

Well, it certainly made for a shocking early morning read, but I think that this will pan out well for both sides. The Vikings get to add one of the final pieces to a dominant defense and the Chiefs get three picks to help build their team of the future. Of course, the Vikings will benefit immediately, where as the Chiefs won't feel the effect of their draft picks for another couple of years.

This is the move that will push Minnesota from a team with questions to a playoff team that has a puncher's chance against anyone in the NFC. All that is needed now is some WR help for Jackson, who will have improved substantially from last year. Limas Sweed and DeSean Jackson should still be on board for the Vikings' 17th pick, and there is always the option of trading down to pick up a less know WR and another skill player.

With a powerful running attack led by Purple Jesus protected by one of the best OLs in the NFL, and a defense that should now start to solidify, the Vikings are my pick to win the NFC North and make a run in the playoffs.

posted by Goyoucolts at 2:39 PM CDT on April 23

"How frequently were their opponents throwing the ball in the 4th quarter?"

Fantastic point. Plus how often did KC have a reason to give 100% by then?

posted by yerfatma at 3:05 PM CDT on April 23

Probably a good trade for both teams. The Vikings were a .500 team last year so if this can help them find two or three more wins they are a playoff team.
As a KC fan I hate to see Allen go. However, the Chiefs were terrible last year, and one defensive player wasn't going to drastically improve that record. If you doubt your ability to sign a soon-to-be free agent, trade him before the deadline arrives and your hand is forced. The Chiefs get to draft new talent who should be eager to play hard and prove themselves. Sometimes steps like this are needed to dig out of a deep hole.

posted by whitedog65 at 3:38 PM CDT on April 23

I wonder how they'll spend those picks. Lot's of holes to fill and they don't have a history of great drafts. I'll cross my fingers and sit with hope like an idiot every year, even though the last SB they went to was the year before I was born.

Anybody remember Carl Peterson's 5 year plan he had back in '88 when Hunt hired him?

posted by kcfan4life at 4:00 PM CDT on April 23

Just a note for goyoucolts: The Vikings just traded away that 1st rounder, so I don't think they are going to get Jackson or Sweed. And they did pick up Berrian in the offseason, which won't hurt.

posted by TheQatarian at 4:21 PM CDT on April 23

As a Broncos fan I'm glad to see him out of our division and simultaneously sad we couldn't get him. Our D-line has blown for the last several years, and Shanahan has not drafted well.

posted by drumdance at 4:55 PM CDT on April 23

As a Bears fan, I hate his trade. Your right Qatarian, the Vikes are the team to beat this year. Your defense will be the best in the division and if Tarvaris has any kind of year and Adrian has another year like last year, The Vikes will contend for the Super Bowl.

posted by Shotput at 5:39 PM CDT on April 23

As a Bears fan, I hate his trade. Your right Qatarian, the Vikes are the team to beat this year.

Hurts me two ways. First, as a Chiefs fan, you hate to see him go. The suburbs just won't be the same without that hideous sky blue convertible caddy with bull horns on the front. (No joke)

Secondly, the local Vikings fan club meets at my favorite sports bar on game day. Even in a crappy year they are annoying, almost as much as Packers fans.

Okay, I asked for it.

posted by Tinman at 6:16 PM CDT on April 23

With the Williams brothers and Allen, that d-line will dominate. This team looks great, on paper. If T. Jackson doesn't f-up too bad, they will definitly be contenders.

posted by ggermanctl at 6:20 PM CDT on April 23

Like most around here, I liked Jared Allen. But in the wake of some of his comments, this trade doesn't quite hurt as much.
I think the most profound thing to say about the trade is, Jared will have a hard time getting around the Chiefs' new left tackle--whoever it is. And Howie's son Chris will look good in red and gold.

posted by dozerhand at 6:36 PM CDT on April 23

Well, of course the Vikings just traded that pick... how stupid of me. (slap upside own head) Good call, Qatarian

As for Berrian... I admit that Rex and Co. could make anyone look bad, but I have never been blown away by his ability. While he won't hurt, and might actually help Rice develop, don't count on him to be a 1500 yrd, 10 TD WR.

posted by Goyoucolts at 10:18 PM CDT on April 23

Just another great (sarcasm) decision made by the Hermster. Hopefully it won't be a replay of what he did to the Jets.

posted by brandy at 10:51 PM CDT on April 23

Last year the commissioner suspended him the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions and if he is cited again, he could be suspended for an entire year.

WTF? I know the Bengals are in dire need of a passrusher, and it seems like he'd jump right into the system! With the departure of Justin Smith, we needed a guy who could overpursue to a ridiculous degree, giving up 20-yard runs on third and six. Then, later, carpool to Goodell's office with Odell Thurman and Deltha O'Neal.

posted by tahoemoj at 12:04 PM CDT on April 24

Of course, the Vikings will benefit immediately, where as the Chiefs won't feel the effect of their draft picks for another couple of years.

If the Chiefs trade up and get someone like Dorsey, or even if they don't, plenty of first rounders, especially on defense or the O line, have first year impact. Just look at the 49ers #1 last year, Patrick Willis, who lead the team in tackles. Contrary example is just across the Bay, though, Raiders and overall #1 JaMarcus Russell, but he foolishly held out for a better deal and lost a year of playing time.

posted by billsaysthis at 2:49 PM CDT on April 24

Yeah lots of holes,including the one they just made.Going young?What was Allen? 26.Ole' fart.

posted by kckurtbusch at 10:42 PM CDT on April 24

Chiefs 6 picks in first 3 rounds.This draft is definetly Peterson's last stand.Don't muck it up.

posted by kckurtbusch at 10:46 PM CDT on April 24

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