Free agent Jared Allen has every intention of reaching the open market. "He's going to see what 32 teams have to offer," were the words of Allen's rep to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Neither the Vikings nor Allen would have much to gain by agreeing to a pre-free agency deal. The Vikings are rebuilding, while Allen is going on 32. This could be Allen's last shot to not only get paid, but play for a winner.

ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez believes the Raiders could show interest in free agent Jared Allen. Allen has declining sack numbers the last three seasons and would ideally be used as a situational pass rusher, but could be brought in as an every-down starter if the Raiders fail to re-sign free agent Lamarr Houston. The Bucs and Denver have also been linked to Allen.

The Tampa Bay Times considers the Bucs a possible landing spot for free agent Jared Allen.

Free agent Jared Allen's player rep met with the Vikings on Thursday, but the sides have yet to exchange numbers. Per Allen's agent, it was a "very positive, constructive meeting." Allen plans to "(afford the Vikings) every courtesy," but is almost certainly going to reach the open market. Unless Allen is amenable to a reasonable contract and new coach Mike Zimmer decides he has to have him, Allen will likely be moving on from Minnesota.

ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling expects free agent Jared Allen to sign with a contending team as a situational pass rusher. Allen is beginning to wear down going on age 32, so playing limited snaps might increase his pass-rush efficiency. Goessling notes that the Broncos showed interest in Allen prior to last October's trade deadline, and "could be a good landing spot for him." Allen would play right end opposite Von Miller, replacing free agent Robert Ayers. It's definitely an intriguing, sensible fit.

Former NFL scout and director of pro personnel Louis Riddick believes Jared Allen will be this year's most overrated free agent.

The Vikings aren't expected to re-sign impending free agent RE Jared Allen. Allen, 32 in April, started all 16 games for the sixth consecutive season and didn't miss a single contest in his time with the Vikings. However, his played fell off for much of 2013 before he finished strong and racked up 6.5 sacks over the final five games to push his season total to 11.5. Allen still has some gas left in the tank but won't make anywhere near the $14 million he earned in 2013.

The Tampa Tribune wonders if the presence of new Bucs DC Leslie Frazier could help lure impending free agent RE Jared Allen to Tampa Bay. This is pure speculation, obviously, but it makes sense. Tampa Bay has been near the bottom in team sacks the past few seasons and badly needs some pass rush help. Allen will turn 32 in April and has been playing in Frazier's defense for the past six seasons. He had a down year -- by his standards -- in 2013 but still racked up 11.5 sacks. DT Gerald McCoy led the Bucs with nine sacks this past season. Tampa Bay only has about $10 million in current 2014 cap space.

Vikings RE Jared Allen seems resigned to the fact that he's not going to re-sign with the team in the offseason. Allen, 31, dropped several hints that he's down to his last few games as a Viking before his contract expires in February. "Minnesota will always be in my heart," Allen said. "[I'm] really curious to see how [LE Brian Robison]'s going to do next year being 'the guy.'" Allen is wrapping up a six-year contract. He'll look to join a contender and earn a Super Bowl ring in 2014.

Jared Allen wasn't traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and remains a Viking. Eagles NT Isaac Sopoaga was the only player to change teams, getting shipped to the Patriots. Otherwise, Josh Gordon, Hakeem Nicks and anyone else you can think of remain with the clubs they began their Tuesday with. Although the deadline has already been pushed back in recent years, the league would benefit from moving it even further into the season.