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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is entrenched as the face of the franchise, with many confident he can help this team win a Super Bowl. But while there is a lot of excitement in Buffalo, negotiations on a contract extension aren’t in as great of shape.
Allen, the No. 7 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, enjoyed a breakout 2020 season. With the help of standout wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Allen set career-highs in passing yards (4,544), touchdowns (37) and passer rating (107.2).
After two years of inconsistency, flashing phenomenal arm talent but poor accuracy and decision-making, Buffalo saw the third-year leap it was hoping for. As a result, the Bills had one of the best offenses in the NFL and they will enter the 2021 season near the top of NFL power rankings.
There is plenty of excitement regarding the upcoming season and even more for the future. But Allen is only under contract for two more seasons and with the price of quarterbacks skyrocketing, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared why negotiations will be tricky.
“This is another huge deal, complicated deal, that could take some time. That’s why I’m told Buffalo really isn’t going to rush this. Last year they did a couple of extensions with players; Dion Dawkins, cornerback Tre’Davious White, that bled into early to mid-August, even closer to Week 1. Both sides aren’t afraid to talk this out, see where it goes.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler with latest update on Josh Allen contract talks
Part of the problem isn’t even tied to the Bills. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is negotiating his contract without an agent, is viewed as the biggest domino everyone is waiting to fall. The Ravens are determined to get a deal signed before Week 1, but the 2019 NFL MVP is being patient.
Jackson will set the market for the young quarterbacks seeking new deals. So, with his talks ongoing, neither the Bills nor Allen will be agreeing to terms in the near future.
How much will Josh Allen get paid?
Allen will become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. While there was plenty of doubt regarding his long-term outlook a year ago, the 25-year-old proved he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Naturally, paying a franchise signal-caller means sacrificing money that could go towards other positions. It’s a delicate balance for every team, but one that is easily worth the challenges created by a huge contract. Allen is willing to help the Bills, but there won’t be a hometown discount.
“There is some buzz league-wide that Allen is willing to work with the team to try and find a sweet spot. Maybe that means a longer deal, they can stretch out his salary cap hit. He’s not going to take a discount, but he is at least willing to work with the team and help them.”
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler on type of contract Josh Allen may sign, via SportsCenter
- Josh Allen stats (2020): 4,544 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 69.2% completion rate, 107.2 passer rating and eight rushing touchdowns
Given Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson signed extensions worth around $40 million per season, that will be the goal for Allen. Plus, with the NFL salary cap rising in the upcoming years, salaries will be even higher.
There is certainly no need for either side to rush this. The Bills would apply the franchise tag if Allen isn’t signed by 2023 and that outcome would be lucrative for him. Ultimately, it’s only a matter of time before a contract is signed. When the ink dries, Allen might land a five- or six-year deal averaging more than $40.5 million per season.