After the Jaguars defeated the Texans in late November, Jacksonville pass rusher Josh Allen spoke to PFT about his performance that day. One of the things I asked him was if he wanted a new contract since he was playing under his five-year option.
“Of course I want to get one,” Allen said. He also made it clear that he wants it from the Jaguars, not anyone else. He said there had been no talks about a signing.
“That’s up to the high man,” Allen said. “I just come in and play for my people.”
One of the organization's top brass spoke to reporters about Allen on Thursday. GM Trent Baalke said the seventh pick in the 2019 draft “will be a Jaguar.” However, Baalke admitted that there had been no discussions about a long-term deal.
This remark was not well received by Allen and his representatives. According to a source familiar with the situation, Allen's camp is not happy that Baalke is taking the time to talk to the media about Allen before taking the time to talk to Allen or his agent about Allen. Allen's camp was ready, willing and waiting to engage in negotiations.
The lack of commitment at this stage of the calendar suggests this is a franchise deal for Allen rather than a multi-year deal. As a Pro Bowler in 2023, Allen set the franchise single-season record with 17.5 sacks. He has 45 in his career, which puts him second in team history all-time, behind Tony Brackens with 55.
The 2011 rookie salary scale was aimed at keeping top draft picks who fail to achieve success from slashing millions from the system. It has also given teams the opportunity to bet on great players, delaying the financial reward they deserve for years. Allen waited five years.
It's unfortunate for the Jaguars, who ultimately screwed up relationships with top defensive players like Jalen Ramsey and Yannick Ngakoue, both of whom were traded. Given that Allen's agent has engineered trades for top defensive players like Khalil Mack and DeForest Buckner, the combination could be more explosive than nitroglycerin, the weapon of choice for many old-school cartoon villains.
From Allen's perspective, Baalke is currently playing the role of Dick Dastardly. The only way to change this is for Baalke to not talk to the media about Allen, but to talk to Allen about Allen.