Jaguars Lock Up Superstar OLB Josh Allen for 5 Years

Few guarantees exist in life, but for the Jacksonville Jaguars, securing homegrown talent has historically been a struggle. Not this time, however. Breaking from the disappointing departures of past stars like Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Fournette, and Allen Robinson, the Jaguars have made a landmark decision by re-signing their superstar outside linebacker Josh Allen to a staggering five-year, $150 million contract.

A Worthwhile Investment

While Allen has not yet earned an All-Pro selection, the decision to make him the highest-paid edge rusher in NFL history, surpassing Brian Burns’ recent contract with the Giants, is a move that Jacksonville and Allen both stand to benefit from immensely. The contract, which will see Allen earning $28.25 million annually, might seem steep, but it is a strategic investment in a proven talent whose performance is expected to align with the NFL’s financial growth over the years. Such a contract is not just a reward for past performances but a bet on his continued dominance.

Tale of the Tape

Josh Allen’s career trajectory has been impressive since his debut. He exploded onto the NFL scene with a 10.5-sack season in 2019, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie. Despite a setback in 2020 due to injuries, Allen has demonstrated resilience and skill, returning to form with back-to-back 7.5 sack seasons in 2021 and 2022. It was, however, his performance in the last season that truly distinguished him. Allen amassed 17.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 17 tackles for loss—all career highs—arguably elevating him to an All-Pro caliber player. The Jaguars are counting on Allen to maintain this high level of play, justifying his record-setting contract.

Looking Ahead

As we head into 2024, the Jaguars are poised to recapture the success that saw them start last season with an 8-2 record, leading the AFC before a later collapse. Securing Allen for five more years underscores a strong commitment to building a winning team around a core group of talented players. The focus now shifts to the upcoming draft and other strategic moves that Jacksonville will make to bolster their roster further.

The signing of Josh Allen to this historic contract not only secures a key piece of the Jaguars’ defensive puzzle but also signals a clear intent to compete at the highest levels in the near future. This contract, while monumental now, is positioned to age well, reflecting a wise investment as Allen continues to excel. For Jaguars fans and general NFL enthusiasts, this move is a significant indicator of the franchise's direction—firmly towards contention for a Super Bowl.