Kansas City, Mo. ? As improbable as it might have sounded at the end of last season when he led the NFL in sacks, the Kansas City Chiefs could be willing to part with All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen while he’s in the prime of his career.

If the price is right for the 26-year-old Allen, the Chiefs could extract precious extra selections to use next week in what shapes up as one of the most crucial drafts in recent team history. Extra picks could greatly speed up coach Herm Edwards’ rebuilding project for a team that lost its last nine games in 2007 and finished 4-12.

K.C.’s hunger is particularly acute for offensive linemen and defensive backs, two position groups that scouts believe to be in abundance. The Chiefs have the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, and 10 selections altogether. If they could package a deal for a second choice in the first round and an extra second- or third-round pick, that might look very attractive.

The Chiefs have talked with Tampa Bay and Minnesota about Allen. But in a news conference regarding the upcoming draft, general manager Carl Peterson refused on Friday to go any further.

“We’re talking in speculation right now,” Peterson said. “At this particular point, nothing has been done or consummated.”

Peterson’s relationship with Allen has been strained ever since Peterson, in the wake of Allen’s DUI convictions, described him as “a young man at risk.” Allen has said he would not negotiate with Kansas City if he doesn’t get a contract done by next July.

After reaching an impasse, the Chiefs made Allen their franchise player on Feb. 7, but in a very telling way. They did not put the exclusive tag on him, as they did on tight end Tony Gonzalez when he was franchised in 2002.

That made it possible for Allen and his agent to talk with other clubs and be examined by their team doctors.

Kansas City would still be able to keep him by matching whatever offer he gets. If they decide not to match, they would get two first-round picks from the club that signs Allen, something no other club seems likely to go for. But another team could negotiate a deal with the Chiefs for compensation. And by making the franchise designation non-exclusive, they have clearly indicated a willingness to listen.

“Any team can bring him in, talk to him, measure him, physical him, write a contract. That’s the option they have as a non-exclusive franchise player,” Peterson said.

“If we wanted to prohibit Jared and his agent from having the opportunity to look to teams, we would have put the exclusive franchise tag on him. We didn’t do that. In years past we have used the exclusive. So we’ll see what happens. But to this point nothing has happened. If something does happen, we’ll let you know. If it doesn’t happen, we’ll let you know.”

Peterson declined to say what sort of offer might tempt him.

“I don’t know at this point. I haven’t seen any contract offer,” he said.