Edge rusher Josh Allen has recently signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. The Jaguars used the franchise tag on Allen last month, but were determined to reach a long-term agreement to keep him on the team for many years to come.
Coming off a standout season with 17.5 sacks, Allen’s contract puts him just behind players like Nick Bosa and Chris Jones in terms of average yearly salary for non-quarterbacks. The Jaguars have a history of successfully signing tagged players to extensions, including offensive tackle Cam Robinson and tight end Evan Engram in previous offseasons.
Allen, who was the seventh pick in the 2019 NFL draft, has quickly established himself as one of the best edge rushers in the league with 45 sacks over five seasons. As the Jaguars navigate future contract negotiations, they also have to consider extending quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is eligible for a long-term deal. Lawrence, despite having an up-and-down first three seasons, is an elite prospect that the Jaguars likely want to keep.
Managing these extensions while staying under the salary cap will be a challenge for the Jaguars, but securing Allen’s future with the team was a top priority for them.
