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The Kansas City Chiefs are willing to trade defensive end Jared Allen ... provided they get what they want for him. And what they want from the Minnesota Vikings is a first-round draft pick and two thirds. The Vikings have the draft picks but have indicated they may not be willing to meet Kansas City's demands.

No wonder.

The price is steep, even for the NFL's sack leader, but Minnesota believes it has nearly all the pieces in place to challenge for a division title. If the Vikings were to meet Kansas City's demands, it would give the Chiefs the fifth and 17th choices in the first round -- and you can all but guarantee Kansas City takes defensive end Vernon Gholston with the first choice, provided he's there. It could then take an offensive lineman with its second pick and begin to rebuild what could be one of the worst clubs in the league this season.

Kansas City is not looking to deal Allen, but it is willing to listen ... for a couple of reasons: 1) Allen will cost a bundle with his next deal, asking more than what Kansas City may be willing to offer; and 2) he's a two-time offender of the league's substance abuse policy. A third violation would cost him ... and the Chiefs, or whoever employs him ... at least a year on the job.

I see where Baltimore's Samari Rolle referred to teammate Steve McNair as "a sure-fire Hall of Famer." Say what? Steve McNair was a tough guy. He was a great competitor. And he knew how to win. But "A sure-fire Hall of Famer?" I don't think so. Joe Montana was a sure-fire Hall of Famer. So was John Unitas. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are sure-fire Hall of Famers. Steve McNair was a quarterback who made the most of considerable abilities, played hard and was as tough as they come. But this is not the Hall of Good. This is the Hall of Fame, and Steve McNair will not be there.

When I spoke to John Harbaugh two weeks ago about his Baltimore Ravens, I asked what he would do for a quarterback. He started by talking about Steve McNair and how he wanted to see what his quarterback had left. I think we all got a glimpse early last season, and it wasn't good. That's why I'm glad to see McNair has done the right thing and decided to retire. The guy was tough, resilient, accomplished and a winner, and what the Ravens got from him in 2006 was what they envisioned -- an experienced leader who could take them to the playoffs. But he would never be as good as he was then, and that was evident last year before he was hurt. He can't move anymore, and he's become an injury waiting to happen. Too often, pro athletes overstay their welcome, but McNair has done the right thing by seeing what's ahead for him and choosing a life outside of football. So what does this mean for Baltimore in the draft? I don't think it changes their plans at all. I always said they would draft Matt Ryan if he were there with the eighth pick, which I don't think he will be. So that means Baltimore waits for the second round and chooses Brian Brohm (if he's there), Joe Flacco or Chad Henne -- with Flacco my pick.