The OP is spot on. Picture = 1000 words.
There is such an amazing lack of respect from some regarding Allen and his value. He is the leading sack artist over the last 3 yrs combined. Of the UFA's this year, he had more sacks than any other. More than Ware, more than Peppers, more than Tuck. He had 11.5 sacks last season in a "down year", playing on an average/below average team with little help over the top. The fact that he is still available and potentially willing to sign with the Hawks is amazing considering how quickly the others flew off the market. Perhaps it is yet another apology from the football gods for 2005. A "hey, you got hosed so badly on that one, we want to help you win more than just 1 SB to make up for it. It's taken us a few years to put it all together, but here's more help toward building a dynasty that could be for the ages."
I wouldn't doubt that he's dealing with a number of issues in making his decision:
1. He and his agent probably misread the market, and he is probably kicking himself for not taking the Broncos offer when it was first extended.
2. He is probably shocked at how fast the elite/formally elite DE market dried up, with him being the one left standing.
3. He may have a larger offer on the table for a bad team, and is weighing out with his family whether to sign for more money or have a chance to win a SB(s).
4. He may have brought his family out with him to try and win them over to the idea of him accepting less money to play/live here for a few years.
5. He may still have some convincing to do at home, and won't sign until his wife buys in along with him, or she convinces him this is the best decision for them.
6. He may still be trying to swallow his pride and competitive nature off the field, get over the sting of being the last man standing, and refocus himself on kicking a$$ on the field.
7. He may be doing a final gut check to see if the fire inside still burns enough to come to a team where nothing is guaranteed, and the 'want to' has to be there every day in order to play on game days.
The man has earned the right to take a weekend to decide anything he wants. I'll respect whatever he decides to do, even if that means signing with a team like the Raiders for more money, or calling it a career and riding off into the sunset.