The Jaguars officially announced the signing of edge rusher Josh Allen to a five-year contract on Wednesday afternoon. The deal is worth a base value of $141.25 million, with $76.5 million in guaranteed money at signing, representing a significant increase from the $24.07 million he would have earned under the franchise tag.
Allen’s value to the team was emphasized by General Manager Trent Baalke in his statement about the signing. He praised Allen as a true professional who has become one of the top defensive players in the NFL at his position. Baalke also highlighted Allen’s leadership both on and off the field, calling him a cornerstone of the team’s defense.
The Jaguars are excited for Allen and his family, as well as their fanbase, who will be able to witness his continued growth and development as a player. This marks the third consecutive season that the Jaguars have used the franchise tag before signing one of their own players to a long-term contract, with Trevor Lawrence being their next potential candidate for an extension. However, they have the option to exercise his fifth-year option to retain him until at least 2025 without coming to an agreement on a new deal yet.
Overall, this move is significant for both Allen and the Jaguars organization, as it solidifies their commitment to building a strong defense around one of their top players while also setting them up for success in future seasons with Lawrence at quarterback.
