4 Pros and Cons to Jacksonville Jaguars Extending Josh Allen in 2023
By Adam McCarty
Outside linebacker Josh Allen has been the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense since his arrival in 2019 and remains a staple to the defensive front. However, he lacks eye-popping numbers, which may deceive some fans from the impact he does have for the team.
With the offense nearly patched up heading into free agency, the defense needs to be a top priority for the Jaguars’ front office. While Allen is under contract for one more season, his future is unclear beyond 2023, so now is a good time to dive into both the pros and cons of signing him to a long-term contract.
Pros/Cons of Jacksonville Jaguars giving Josh Allen a contract extension
PRO No. 4 – Josh Allen Has Improved Every Year since 2019
Allen’s truly the best pass rusher on the Jaguars even without a large number of sacks to back his case. Where Allen has succeeded is in creating pressure on the quarterback.
In 2022, Allen bested his previous pressure total of 50 by getting 68 on 483 passing downs. Pressuring the quarterback usually leads to sacks piling up, but he managed to tally just seven last year.
Even though this was his lowest in a full season, he did manage to cause four fumbles, which doubled his career best. Along with the pressures and fumbles, he had his shining moment in his career with a 37-yard fumble recovery against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 to seal the division title.
Con No. 4 – Josh Allen’s Price Tag Might Be Too High
Allen will need to produce in 2023 to justify a hefty contract. With the top 5 salaries for edge rushers averaging out to roughly $ 25.4 million a year, the question is whether he has done enough to prove that he is worth something similar.
When looking at Pro Football Focus’ edge rusher ranking, he comes in at No. 17 for the 2022 season, but as a run stuffer, he ranked third. As promising as it is to see him land as the third-best run stuffer out of edge rushers, it also warrants some concern that he is not elite after four years.
Looking at the players above him on the list, it is clear that he is far from the likes of T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons. The price tag for Allen will be in the above-average range and the Jaguars will have to determine if his progression by the end of his fifth season merits a heavy investment.