Jared Allen looks to join a contender as he tests free agency for the first time. (USATSI)
Jared Allen will look to join a contender. (USATSI)

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Four-time All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen is not planning on returning to Vikings, according to a league source.

The future Hall of Famer and longtime Viking has whittled down his suitors to less than five teams and Minnesota is not among them. In a move affecting Allen, the Vikings agreed to terms with Everson Griffen on Sunday, keeping the pass rusher in Minnesota. After already re-signing Brian Robison to an extension earlier this season, those moves and their other roster vacancies, make it very unlikely they would remain at the top of the market to keep Allen.

Allen is focused on teams closer to contending as he enters free agency for the first time in his career and negotiates what likely will be his final contract.

Allen has a close bond with Vikings and Minnesota, and the team asked for the right to match any offer and expressed strong interest in bringing him back, but that is not in the plans right now as he explores other options ahead of the market opening officially at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.