Will Jacksonville Jaguars secure OLB Josh Allen next?

Who can forget outside linebacker Josh Allen’s performance in 2021 against the Buffalo Bills and his quarterback counterpart where he willed the Jacksonville Jaguars to victory? He made bizarre NFL history three times in that game. He sacked quarterback Josh Allen, later intercepted him, and then recovered a fumble. All three plays involved two players with the same name.

Strange history, but definitely the driving force in that victory.  Lest we not forget the game-sealing interception return for a touchdown against Tennessee that ultimately won the AFC South for the Jaguars this past season.  He is truly a game-wrecker when the team needs him the most.

While he has not had that type of production in many games over the course of his career, having seen a feat like that, we all know the athleticism is there and seems to be getting fine-tuned with age.  He was even a positive mentor to the young players that the Jags brought in this past season in the draft and will hopefully be even better in 2023.

The Jacksonville Jaguars now need to secure Josh Allen

With tight end Evan Engram now franchise-tagged, it makes sense that the Jacksonville Jaguars do what is necessary to keep Allen on the roster and in the fold for the team moving forward this year and beyond.  With any luck for both sides, they can come to terms sooner than later and start focusing on other needs the team will need to fill ahead of a pivotal 2023 campaign.

Also, securing Allen would give the Jaguars a bit of cap relief. Right now, they have $6.93 million in cap space and the former Kentucky Wildcat is set to make $11.5 million under the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. If they crafted a new contract, they could create a bit of space, which would then give them the flexibility to make a few moves in free agency.

Striking a contract extension with Allen would show other players that they’ll take care of them when they deliver. The Jags have undergone a culture makeover under Doug Pederson and the team’s brass must build a solid nucleus to make sure they have sustained success for years to come.

Despite the fact that Josh Allen isn’t an elite pass rusher, he’s a core member of the Jaguars’ defense, which is why the front office should do everything they can in the upcoming months to secure him beyond 2023.