I'd prefer that the Chiefs keep him because I doubt they'll find a better player to replace him, but it also seems like Carl Peterson simply doesn't like the guy.  Part of that is probably Peterson's general assholeishness in contract negotiations, but Peterson also only seems interested in handing out the big contracts to "proven veterans", usually, it seems, at the point that they're coming to the end of their prime (usually the worst time to give them a big contract).  And Jared Allen doesn't seem to fit the profile of players that Peterson pays...he's  relatively young (therefore "unproven", even though he's given every indication that he'll be excellent for awhile), his off-field issues are too recent for Peterson's liking (even though he seems to have genuinely outgrown them), and he doesn't kiss Carl's ass.  This feels sort of like back when Marty got canned and Peterson let Donnie Edwards go at the beginning of his prime because he was "Marty's guy" and not "Carl's guy" only to bring him back close to the end of his career (and give him a big contract) because he's a "proven veteran" who spoke well of the Chiefs.

That's one of the biggest mistakes GM's make, paying players for what they've already done instead of what they're likely going to be able to do.  It's basically a form of risk aversion because veteran players are a known quantity and people with control issues (like Peterson) hate gambling on what they think are unknowns.

I just known that Peterson's going to botch the Allen thing for us.

Sorry dude...I'm naturally verbose :)

Do the paragraphs actually cause a problem?

I cannot agree more with the general sentiment of each of you regarding Jared as a Chief for life.  What I am most concerned with is, if he were to be traded, it may set up a mindset amongst future Chiefs that become great (All Pro) and know they will not get that most deservedly earned fat contract.

They and their agents will be testing the markets before their last games played in the final years of their contracts knowing that Chief management will not seriously negotiate with them.

Sign the man and let this idea rest in peace, please!

"What I am most concerned with is, if he were to be traded, it may set up a mindset amongst future Chiefs that become great (All Pro) and know they will not get that most deservedly earned fat contract."

I couldn't agree more.  I also think that this mindset is already in place with the rest of the league when it comes to Carl Peterson, which is why the top free agents don't even bother talking to us before they sign with other teams.

...hate to point this out, but three playoff victories in 19 years does not equate to being a successful GM.  Especially when the last playoff win was over a decade ago.  Peterson's been around because he made Lamar Hunt money, because he packed the stadium full of people (until recently) and because he made us think the Chiefs were better than they were.  That's nice for Lamar and Clark Hunt, but that's not particularly good for fans who don't want a mediocre football team.

We're always on his case now because the smoke and mirrors aren't working anymore, he's stuck us with a really bad football team, his plan for rebuilding revolves around being successful at something he's never been that successful at (the draft) and there's little reason for us to believe he's ever going to turn us into Super Bowl contenders or much more than a first-round playoff team.

"I know everyone thinks we should just sign over whatever the player is asking for or we are "the Cheaps" but that is how you get in cap hell."

I've never said that they should pay Allen whatever he wants...but I have said that they should pay him what he's worth for a long-term deal now because he's just starting his prime and the odds favor him being a very good lineman as much as they do anyone.  I'd rather not lose him next year as an unrestricted free agent because Carl Peterson decided to skimp.