LIONS CHASING ALLEN We're told that the Detroit Lions are aggressively pursuing free-agent offensive lineman Larry Allen. The Cowboys cut the ten-time Pro Bowler on Tuesday. Allen's release creates $3.4 million in cap space for the Cowboys. He had been a no-show for the first two days of the team's offseason conditioning program. There's been talk that Allen possibly will retire. But with at least one team looking to add his phenomenal strength to a blocking scheme that has been mediocre at best over the past few years, he might be persuaded to stick around. http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
Lions face obstacles in trying to sign Allen Thursday, March 23, 2006 By Tom Kowalski ALLEN PARK -- Two years ago, Detroit Lions president Matt Millen did everything he could to trade for future Hall of Fame guard Larry Allen. Now that Allen has been released by the Dallas Cowboys in a salary cap move, Millen is expected to make another run at the 10-time Pro Bowl player. But there are several obstacles in his way. One, the Cowboys, who would have owed Allen a $2 million roster bonus, are trying to re-sign Allen to a restructured contract and, two, if Allen goes elsewhere, his top priority will likely be Oakland. Even two years ago, Allen said it was his dream to play for the Raiders. Finally, Millen's greatest challenge might come from within the Lions organization. One of the reasons the Cowboys were shopping Allen two years ago was because Dallas head coach Bill Parcells didn't like his work ethic. New Lions head coach Rod Marinelli is cut from the same cloth as Parcells and might resist bringing in a 34-year-old player who will want to skip some practices and not take part in the team's grueling workout regimen. Those conditions will have to be worked out and no one is sure yet just how far Marinelli will be willing to yield. It's the same reason 33-year-old defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson is considering retirement rather than returning to the Lions this season. Still, the Lions are expected to open preliminary contract talks with Allen soon. The Lions made a strong move to add depth to their defensive line on Wednesday by re-signing Jared DeVries, a versatile player who plays at a consistently high level. The Lions also added linebackers Paris Lenon (Green Bay Packers) and LeVar Woods, who was with Detroit last season.
Lions likely out of Larry Allen sweepstakes The Detroit Lions are long shots to acquire free agent and soon-to-be Hall of Fame guard Larry Allen. League sources say the 10-time Pro Bowl player has narrowed his choices to Dallas, San Francisco and Oakland. Allen is from northern California and wants to return to the area. He's always wanted to play for the Raiders, but his former offensive line coach (George Warhop) is with the 49ers.
