|
|
| 24th March, 2006 - 3:29 am |  ESPN - Ten-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen, released by the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday for salary cap reasons, reached an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year contract Thursday night.
Financial details were not immediately available and the deal is contingent on Allen passing a physical examination to be administered by the 49ers' medical staff.
While the addition of the 34-year-old Allen is a bit counter to the revamping of the roster under second-year coach Mike Nolan, an initiative intended to address the franchise's long-time salary cap woes and to phase in more youth, the 12-year veteran should add experience and guidance to the line. And while there are some who insist that Allen's play has slipped the past few years, he remains a viable starter, and was chosen for this year's Pro Bowl game.
The acquisition of Allen by the 49ers was somewhat surprising in that the 49ers weren't among the several teams thought to have an interest in one of the most celebrated linemen in league history. Miami, where former Dallas offensive line coach Hudson Houck works in the same capacity with the Dolphins, was felt by many league observers to be the front-runner for Allen's services. The Detroit Lions were also believed to be pursuing him and there were rumors the Oakland Raiders might attempt to sign him.
During a career that likely will earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame someday, Allen has played at every offensive line position except center, and is one of just three linemen in history to be chosen for the Pro Bowl at multiple positions. That said, he has garnered most of his accolades at left guard. [READ] |
|
|
Get San Francisco Tickets
