4 massive unknowns heading into the Jacksonville Jaguars 2023 offseason

3. Will the Jacksonville Jaguars give Josh Allen a long-term contract?

Outside linebacker Josh Allen has been a mainstay of the Jaguars’ defense since he was drafted seventh overall in 2019. The former Kentucky product logged 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign. However, a knee injury affected his performance the following season and limited him to eight games and 2.5 sacks.

Heading into the 2021 season, Allen was expected to bounce back. He played at an elite level at times, such as the Jaguars’ win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 9. In that game, he registered an interception, registered a sack, and scooped a fumble. On the other hand, he went through stretches without having much of an impact. In the end, he finished the year with 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble, which are solid numbers but not the ones you expect from a premier pass rusher.

Nevertheless, the Jaguars showed trust in Allen when they picked up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract last offseason. The Virginia native is now set to make $11.5 million in 2023. He will become a free agent next season but it’s uncertain if he’s part of the organization’s long-term future.

The Jags could give Allen a contract extension to get cap relief in 2023. Conversely, they could take a wait-and-see approach and offer him a deal until next offseason. The ‘downside’ is that Allen may have a career year, which could in turn increase his price tag. Then again, Jacksonville won’t probably mind giving Allen a top-market contract if he plays like a top edge rusher.