gruntbygod

this should be a good signing. He might not have much left, but will be good for leadership

Professor

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5439346

Ex-Cowboy star Allen heading to 49ers

Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com

One of the most dominant players, regardless of position, in the NFL over the past decade is about to have a new home.

FOXSports.com has learned that former All-Pro Cowboys lineman Larry Allen has agreed to a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The deal is contingent upon the lineman passing a physical and then actually signing the contract. However, terms have been agreed upon, and it's believed to pay Allen between $4 and $5 million per year.
Allen has been the NFL's premier offensive lineman since coming into the NFL from Sonoma State, a small college close to the 49ers complex. In addition to versatility that has landed him Pro Bowl nods at several different spots on the line, he is also widely considered the most intimidating player in the NFL.

Allen is so strong that many players over the years have come up with mysterious illnesses or injuries the week prior to having to play the perennial Pro Bowler, an ailment that defenders call "Allen-itis."

"It got to the point where you'd see guys pull up with some fake injury in the fourth quarter the week before he'd have to play Larry," Giants Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan once said. "It's sad. You're watching film and he hurts so many guys on film that his opponents don't want to deal with him."

Other team executives and coaches admit that some of their players have fallen down or flopped aside just to get out of Allen's way. His legend has certainly helped as his skills and body have aged.

Getting Allen marks perhaps the 49ers' most significant free-agent pickup since Mike Nolan became head coach. In addition, Allen's former line coach with Dallas, George Warhop, is now the line coach with the 49ers.

Provided Allen passes his physical, he's expected to sign the deal Thursday night or Friday.

Professor

Here is another link


http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

Niners sign 10-time Pro Bowl guard Larry Allen

By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer
March 24, 2006

Larry Allen, a 10-time Pro Bowl guard for the Dallas Cowboys, agreed to a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday.

Allen, the last link to the Cowboys' most recent Super Bowl-winning team, was released Tuesday when he refused to take a pay cut. The 12-year veteran cleared a path for NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith and his teammates while being placed on eight All-Pro teams, including each of his first seven seasons as a starter.

The 49ers outbid several suitors to put the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Allen on a line that improved last season, but still struggled just as much as every other part of the NFL's 32nd-ranked offense.

Running backs Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore struggled for running room last season, but should get a boost from running behind one of the best run-blockers in NFL history. Eric Heitmann, Justin Smiley and David Baas probably will be thrown into competition for the other starting guard spot, unless Heitmann takes over for oft-injured center Jeremy Newberry.

Though some believe Allen's game has slipped in recent seasons, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl again. He also should provide valuable teaching and leadership for the 49ers' young offensive linemen.

Allen played two college seasons at Sonoma State, just north of San Francisco, and played for 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner and offensive line coach George Warhop in Dallas.

San Francisco has been fairly quiet in free agency, with receiver Antonio Bryant as its biggest signing before Allen.



Updated on Friday, Mar 24, 2006 2:20 pm EST

PoppaPoe33

huge signing. It's funny how there seems to be a trend of people jumping ship to the enemy team this off-season. Anyway, Alex Smith will take less bumps just from this guy protecting him. They have a lot more work to do though.

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bigboy

Told you...closest to home at the most money out of the teams..good move for the Niners.

MickeyG

PoppaPoe is right he should help the development of Alex Smith, but the niners still have a lot of work ahead of them.

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