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The Buffalo Bills are committed to signing Josh Allen to a long-term contract extension, but the latest update makes it even more clear an agreement might not happen in 2021.
Reports first surfaced in January that Buffalo intended to pursue a “massive contract” with the face of its franchise this offseason. Both sides agree the 25-year-old deserves to be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, but contract talks seem to have stalled.
According to NFL Network’s Kim Jones, there is “no current momentum toward a deal.” While there’s a possibility that could change, the NFL insider also suggests Allen and the Bills might table negotiations if an agreement isn’t reached before Aug. 15
There is no reason for either side to feel rushed into making a deal. Buffalo exercised its fifth-year option on Allen for the 2022 season, guaranteeing he isn’t eligible for free agency until 2022. Even after that, the front office would apply the franchise team on him in the 2023 NFL offseason if an extension wasn’t already reached.
- Josh Allen contract: $6.9 million cap hit (2021), $23 million salary (2022)
Similarly, it benefits Allen to let things play out. He’s owed $23 million fully guaranteed next year and with the NFL salary cap rising, his asking price will only get higher. Similar to the Cleveland Browns with Baker Mayfield, Allen is also waiting to see how much Lamar Jackson receives in his contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
Buffalo saw the big step forward it was waiting for in 2020. Allen put himself in consideration for NFL MVP, leading the Bills to the playoffs and posting eye-popping numbers with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
- Josh Allen stats (2020): 4,544 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 107.2 passer rating, 69.2% completion rate
Playing behind an improved offensive line this fall, Allen could take another step forward in his NFL career. If that happens and an extension isn’t already signed, he’ll easily net more than $42-plus million per season under a new contract. He is committed to playing for the Bills, just don’t expect him to take a hometown discount.
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