Chiefs exploring all of their options for Allen

Reed Hoffmann, Associated Press

Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen (right), shown pressuring Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard in December 2006, is being courted by the Vikings.

The Vikings' quest to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen remained on hold Monday.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: April 21, 2008 - 11:41 PM

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The Vikings' quest to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen remained on hold Monday as Kansas City continued to explore its options regarding the NFL's 2007 sacks leader.

The Chiefs retained Allen's rights by designating him as their franchise player. Thus, the Vikings have been trying to work out a trade with Kansas City as well as a multiyear contract with Allen. He spent Friday and Saturday visiting Winter Park -- along with his agent, Ken Harris -- and the sides were believed to be close. The potential trade between the Vikings and Chiefs isn't nearly as close.

The Vikings appear willing to send the 17th overall pick, as well as the first of their two third-round selections (No. 73) in this weekend's draft to Kansas City. The Chiefs, though, likely are looking for a first- and second-round selection and also are talking to other interested teams.

This includes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Allen, who had 15 1/2 sacks in 14 games last season, remains tentatively scheduled to visit with that franchise this week. It's possible the Vikings could improve their offer in an attempt to eliminate competitors.

Allen has the option of signing an offer sheet with another team. That would give Kansas City the right to match any offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation. Coach Brad Childress said last week the Vikings would not go this route.