No. 1 Jaguars player with big contract implications: Josh Allen, OLB
There may not be a more important player than outside linebacker Josh Allen for the Jaguars’ success on defense this upcoming season. Sure, they drafted Travon Walker first overall because they think he can develop into a dominant pass rusher but Allen is entering a make-or-break year.
The former Kentucky Wildcat became the first Jaguar player to have the fifth-year option on his rookie deal picked up since Jalen Ramsey, and that’s big. After all, they haven’t had much success finding talent in the first round of the draft and when they have, they have either moved on from him before the end of his contract (Leonard Fournette) or traded him for premium selections (Ramsey).
Allen now has to show the organization made the right decision. He has himself said he needs to play better and has already set super high expectations for 2022. This isn’t surprising when you take into consideration that he’s previously played at an extremely high level but still isn’t an upper-echelon pass rusher.
Back in his rookie year, Allen logged 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl and was one of the league’s most promising edge defenders. Alas, a knee injury held him back in 2020 and although he played better last year, he fell short of expectations.
Of course, not every player can earn the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, which Allen got due to an outstanding performance against the Buffalo Bills. However, it felt like he could have done more. He will have the chance in 2022 to remind everyone why the Jags made him the seventh overall pick in the 2019 draft while getting a long-term deal in the process that ensures he stays in Jacksonville.