The chances of free-agent defensive end Jared Allen signing with the Seahawks probably improved on Tuesday night when defensive tackle Henry Melton signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

Allen met with the Cowboys this week after visiting with Seahawks over the weekend. Allen returned home to Minneapolis Tuesday to discuss his options with his wife. The option of signing with Dallas probably is over now because the Cowboys are out of salary-cap money.

Another option is to retire. Allen, who is 32 and had 11 1/2 sacks last season for Minnesota, said he would quit if he doesn't get the money he believes he deserves. But Allen hasn't said exactly what that number is.

It was thought Allen wanted a deal similar to what defensive end DeMarcus Ware received at Denver, which averages $10 million a year. That's not happening for Allen, but he may be willing to accept a lot less to have an opportunity to win a championship with the Seahawks.

Seattle has $15.2 million left in salary-cap money for 2014. Some of that money will be saved for later moves, but the push could be on to get Allen to sign on the dotted line.