The Jacksonville Jaguars have solidified their commitment to Josh Allen, securing the star pass rusher for the long term with a five-year, $150 million contract. Our insider reports that the deal includes $88 million guaranteed, making Allen the third-highest-paid defensive player in the league on a per-year basis, according to OverTheCap.com.
Expressing his emotions at a press conference on Wednesday, Allen stated, “I’m very emotional right now. The job is not done yet. That’s what I want to tell the fan base. I’m extremely blessed and honored to get this paycheck, these checks, but I have to, I still set goals for myself.”
With an average annual value of $30 million, Allen’s contract places him behind San Francisco 49ers’ defensive lineman Nick Bosa ($34 million) and Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive tackle Chris Jones ($31.75 million) among defensive players. The Jaguars had previously tagged Allen ahead of free agency, and the negotiation of this deal was facilitated by WME Sports.
Jaguars’ Star Pass Rusher Josh Allen Eyes Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP After Securing Top-Market Contract
Last season, Allen made waves by setting a Jaguars franchise record with 17.5 sacks. His stellar performance in 2023 earned him his second Pro Bowl nomination and reinforced why the Jaguars view him as a cornerstone for their future.
With 45 career sacks, 251 tackles, eight pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown under his belt, the 26-year-old has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with since being selected by the Jaguars with the No. 7 pick in 2019.
Now, with a top-market contract secured, Allen has his sights set on even greater achievements. “Defensive Player of the Year is my next goal. Winning a Super Bowl and being the MVP of it,” Allen declared.
“I’m a legacy guy. I got to win a Super Bowl and be the MVP. I’m not going to stop until I get that. That’s motivating me. That’s bigger than money. If I could do that and bring the first one [Super Bowl] to Jacksonville, I would be extremely … and be MVP, that’s my goal.”
During this offseason, the Jaguars have been proactive in solidifying their roster. They’ve finalized deals with linebacker Foye Oluokun and guard Ezra Cleveland, while also adding notable free agents such as defensive lineman Arik Armstead, wide receiver Gabe Davis, safety Darnell Savage, and wide receiver Devin Duvernay.
