Josh Allen’s contract: Salary details, years left with Bills and recent bold adjustments
Josh Allen, the star quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s top talents. With consecutive playoff appearances and back-to-back AFC East titles, Allen’s value has continued to rise. Despite his remarkable achievements, his current contract places him as just the 14th highest-paid quarterback in the league. Here’s a closer look at Allen’s contract, salary progression, and what’s ahead for the Bills’ franchise leader.
The Evolution of Josh Allen’s Career and Earnings
The Buffalo Bills drafted Josh Allen as the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, trading up from the 12th spot to secure their future franchise quarterback. As a rookie, Allen signed a four-year deal worth $21 million, fully guaranteed, with an annual salary of $5.3 million. At the time, this was a reasonable amount for a first-year quarterback.
Allen quickly demonstrated his talent, leading the Bills to two AFC East titles and five consecutive playoff appearances. Recognizing his potential, the Bills signed him to a six-year, $258 million contract extension in 2021, with an average annual salary of $43 million. This deal tied him to the team until 2029 and significantly increased his earnings, though he still ranked behind many of his peers in terms of pay.
Breaking Down Josh Allen’s Current Contract
Allen’s six-year extension includes $100 million fully guaranteed and $150 million guaranteed over its duration. The deal also featured a $16.5 million signing bonus and a $42.5 million option bonus in 2022, along with $30 million in incentives. These figures highlight the Bills’ confidence in Allen’s ability to lead the team for years to come.
In March 2023, the Bills restructured Allen’s contract to create additional cap space. This adjustment converted part of his base salary into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over five years rather than one. Additionally, $30 million in future earnings was shifted into 2024, raising his salary that year to $60 million—twice his initial amount.
With these changes, Allen now boasts a four-year total of $155 million, putting him on par with some of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks, including Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff. While Allen was previously seen as underpaid compared to his peers, the Bills’ strategic move corrected this imbalance without requiring a new contract extension.
The Market for Quarterbacks and Josh Allen’s Perspective
The quarterback market has seen rapid growth in recent years, with players like Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott setting new salary standards. Despite these trends, Allen has expressed no frustration about his position on the pay scale. “I’m happy that everyone is getting what they’re worth. The market is the market, and I’ve got no problem with where I am at financially right now,” Allen said in August.
Allen’s humility and team-first mentality have solidified his status as a fan favorite and a respected leader within the Bills organization. His current contract, set to expire in 2029 when he turns 32, ensures he will remain the centerpiece of the Bills’ offense. Whether through future restructuring or an eventual extension, the Bills have made it clear that Allen is essential to their long-term success.
Conclusion
Josh Allen’s career progression and contract evolution are testaments to his immense value as a quarterback. From his rookie salary of $5.3 million annually to his current $43 million average salary, Allen has proven he’s worth every penny. The recent restructuring of his contract highlights the Bills’ commitment to maximizing cap space while fairly compensating their star player.
With five years left on his current contract, Allen has ample time to build on his already impressive legacy with the Bills. Whether he earns more accolades or leads Buffalo to its first Super Bowl victory, his future looks bright. For the city of Buffalo and the team’s fans, Allen represents hope and the promise of continued success.
