Jared Allen: "Slapped" with Franchise Tag

by River City Rage on Feb 18, 2008 9:09 PM EST in Jacksonville Jaguars News

Update [2008-2-18 22:7:39 by River City Rage]:: Per PFT, the Chiefs used the "non-exclusive tag", meaning that the Jaguars could still be in play. Dumb, methinks, on the part of the Chiefs. Clearly they are not serious about keeping Allen.

It's Official. Jared Allen has been given the Franchise Tag by the Kansas City Chiefs.

What is unclear is if the Chiefs used the "exclusive" tag, which pays Jared more money (for one season) but makes it impossible for other teams to even try and get him, or the "non-exclusive", which lets other teams sign him, they just have to give the Chiefs two first round picks.

Now, I've said this before and I'll say it again.

If we're going to use our first round pick on a Defensive End, why not go after Jared Allen? We're going to spend a first round pick and 11-12 million dollars (7-8 mil guaranteed ) on pick 26, why not use that toward signing Allen, getting a known quantity at DE rather than an unproven rookie, and we lose a first round pick next year, which SHOULD be at 26th or higher, provided we improve on last season.

I know, we're all shell-shocked into never trading picks for players, but hear me out on this one. It's kneejerk to assume that we'll be on the losing end, especially considering what Jared would do to our defensive line.

This could all be moot, considering that we don't know what sort of tag has been placed on Jared, but it's worth considering.

-Chris

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Comments

Weee-ell...

...the question, I think, is whether the difference in quality between Allen and Smith is at least equivalent to the value of two (presumably late) first-rounders. If it isn't, then those picks can be better invested elsewhere - like in a rookie defensive end to bulk out the rotation and provide insurance.

by peachy rex on Feb 18, 2008 11:14 PM EST reply actions

hmm

i still don't like it. if something happens to allen, like injury or a lack of effort after getting a big contract, then the jags are SCREWED. i'd much rather pick up smith, draft a young guy, and have a first rounder next year as well.

by abeaugh on Feb 19, 2008 2:21 AM EST reply actions

Maybe I'm wrong

I believe in this draft, all the top Defensive Ends will be gone by the 26th pick. I say we pick up Allen and Smith in free agency and draft potential in the later rounds. A good receiver and a good cover guy from maybe a smaller school may still be in play. We are not weak in talent, just need a fierce defensive line. Load up and go for it.

by Tkopa on Feb 19, 2008 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

Aggressive...

I like it!

-Chris

Jags Blogger for SB Nation Big Cat Country!

by River City Rage on Feb 19, 2008 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

Risk v. Reward...

Yeah, it's a tough balance, but that cuts both ways. What if we get Smith and we don't have a DE left at the 26th pick (which I speculate could happen, watch the Titans extra closely with their situation at DE), we could be just as screwed.

The more I think about the the more I doubt that the Jaguars would make such an aggressive move.

Jags Blogger for SB Nation Big Cat Country!

by River City Rage on Feb 19, 2008 3:04 AM EST reply actions

That's true

"Nothing is sure in pro football player acquisition above all." (Well, okay, that's not quite what the man said. Hehe.)

Defensive end may be the first priority in the draft, but even if there are no DE prospects left worth the pick at 26th, there will still be somebody useful available.

by peachy rex on Feb 19, 2008 6:54 AM EST up reply actions

Franchise Tags

I think what everybody is forgetting is the fact the Chiefs under the use of the franchise tag, have seven days to match any offer. It doesn't matter even discussing whether to give two first round picks for Allen. Its not going to happen!

What I personally like to see is the Jags if they can get Justin Smith for the right price, sign him. Move him over to the strong side, which is where his strength vs the run, and high motor is perfectly suited for. The right side is where you need your speed rusher, thats where the Jags need to develop Hawkins, who showed a lot of promise, needs to step up. Also don't forget Brian Smith, who would have been a first round pick if not for the injury, was a ferocious pass rusher in college. I talked to somebody with the Jags last year who is very high on him, and said there is no reason why he won't put up double digit sack's in time.

Also take a look back at prior drafts, and you will see plenty of DE's taken after the first round who are considered top DE's in the league. So just because a guy in the first round isn't there, doesn't mean you won't find a hidden gem latter. The Jags are certainly proof of that.

by NASF on Feb 19, 2008 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Exactly right!

Chiefs will have seven days to match, though I wonder how hard they would try to step up, depending on the Jaguars offer. I don't think our front office would try and do anything crazy like a poison pill, nor do I know if that's even possible with this sort of "matching", but as you say, it's worth keeping in mind.

-Chris

Jags Blogger for SB Nation Big Cat Country!

by River City Rage on Feb 19, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions