:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30403305/20140108_kkt_sk1_073.0.jpg)
The defending Super bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are quietly having one of the better offseasons of any NFL team. They've already re-signed their biggest free agent -- defensive end Michael Bennett -- to a long-term deal. No one could have imagined they'd manage to upgrade what already is the NFL's best defense, but they may have done just that.
Defensive end Jared Allen is reportedly close to agreeing to a deal with Seattle:
Jared Allen is working on final details of a contract with the SB champion Seattle Seahawks. Barring unforeseen issues, he could sign today
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 20, 2014
Allen, who turns 32 in April, started all 16 games for the sixth consecutive season and didn’t miss a single game in his time with the Vikings. After a slow start in 2013, Allen registered 6.5 sacks over the final five games and finished with 11.5.
***
The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly reached an agreement with return-ace Devin Hester:
BREAKING: Former Bears WR/KR Devin Hester agreed to terms on a 3-year deal with the Falcons. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/nl1F9eF9Rh
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 20, 2014
The 31-year-old Hester isn't the same player he was in his 20s, but he's still is a dynamic returner. He's the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns (13) and total kick return touchdowns (18). Hester's 19 overall return touchdowns are tied with Hall of Famer Deion Sanders for the most in regular-season history.