Minnesota Vikings sign DL Jonathan Allen

Jonathan Allen's two-year, $28M signing ($14M AAV) earns a B+ Contract Value Index (CVI), and for a defensive line depth addition in the preseason window, it's a controlled bet that avoids the franchise-caliber salary bloat while still reflecting confidence in his production tier. At $14M annually, this is solidly above-average money for a rotational or complementary pass rusher, not a premium edge elite contract, which suggests the Vikings are banking on consistent contributions rather than 15-sack seasons. The two-year structure limits dead-cap risk and provides an exit ramp if regression accelerates; there's enough flexibility built in that this doesn't handcuff the front office into Year 3. The value proposition hinges on whether Allen delivers above-average snaps and disruption—reasonable expectations for a player at this salary, but the CVI reflects that the risk is balanced, not one-sided in Minnesota's favor. For a roster currently sitting at 9-8 and fighting for playoff positioning, this is a measured investment in depth rather than a win-now gamble, which keeps the deal from slipping into elite or undervalued territory. The contract suggests a front office comfortable with incremental edge rotation rather than desperate for a headline pass-rush addition—pragmatic, not flashy.