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Trade For DE Allen May Not Be The Only One Bucs Are Contemplating

Posted Apr 21, 2008 by Roy Cummings

Updated Apr 21, 2008 at 10:08 AM

TAMPA - We’re getting a better idea of what it will take to pry DE Jared Allen away from the Chiefs, and it’s not very appetizing.

Word now is that the Chiefs will settle for no less than a first- and second-round draft pick for their disgruntled “franchise’’ pass rusher.

It’s hard to imagine the Bucs giving that up, especially when they have just five draft picks and so many needs. It’s questionable whether the Vikings will give it up, too.

Minnesota has clearly emerged as the favorite to land Allen, who still may visit the Bucs later this week, but they’ll probably stand firm on their offer of a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) and a third (No. 73 overall).

It’s good strategy really, because it’s doubtful anyone will give the Chiefs the two first-rounders they’d get if a team simply signed Allen as a free agent. And with the Bucs virtually unable and unlikely to better the Vikings’ offer, Minnesota’s offer will no doubt come in as the best one for Allen.

That will leave this whole thing up to the Chiefs, who will probably drag this thing out until draft day before deciding what to do.

Meanwhile, another trade target has emerged that may make more sense for the Bucs anyway.

The Eagles are reportedly looking to deal unhappy cornerback Lito Sheppard, and their reported asking price of a second- and possibly fifth-round pick for Sheppard is just a little more palatable than what the Chiefs are asking for Allen.

Again, with so many needs and so few picks (those deals for Jake Plummer and Brian Griese are really starting to look rather shaky) it’s questionable whether the Bucs have the ammunition needed to make such a trade. But a deal for Sheppard would fill an area of need.

The Bucs are sure to draft a corner at some point this year, but a deal for Sheppard would alleviate that need and give them a player who can step in immediately and contribute.

That’s more than the Bucs are likely to get from the draft, because their tendency, especially as it pertains to corners, is to draft them low and develop them.

This potential Sheppard deal seems to be a back-burner issue for both teams right now but as draft day nears it may gain some prominence and move closer to the front. We’ll keep an eye on it for you and let you know what, if anything, comes of it.

We’ll also continue to monitor the Allen situation. At this point, though, Allen is back home in California contemplating the Vikings’ offer, which is believed to be a six-year deal that includes $25 million in guarantees and carries a total value between $50 million and $60 million.