The Buffalo Bills are committed to signing Josh Allen to a long-term contract extension, but the latest update casts doubt on whether an agreement will 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 rush into making a deal. Buffalo exercised its fifth-year option on Allen for the 2022 season, and the front office could use the franchise tag after that if a deal still hadn't been reached. Basically, Buffalo has several years of control over Allen regardless of whether he signs an extension.
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 from Allen in 2020 it had been waiting for. 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.
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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