Jaguars coach Doug Pederson sees Josh Allen back with team next week
One of Jacksonville's most important players will be back next week. OLB Josh Allen, the only player under contract not present for voluntary team workouts, will be back with the Jaguars for the team's mandatory minicamp from June 12-14. When asked about Allen's current plans, head coach Doug Pederson gave some reassuring news for Jaguars […]
One of Jacksonville's most important players will be back next week. OLB Josh Allen, the only player under contract not present for voluntary team workouts, will be back with the Jaguars for the team's mandatory minicamp from June 12-14.
When asked about Allen's current plans, head coach Doug Pederson gave some reassuring news for Jaguars fans:
Bill Shuey, his position coach, has probably talked to him the most and keeps me updated on where he's at and what he's doing. He's working. Listen, he's not taking this time off. He's working and preparing himself. We should see him in here next week. – Doug Pederson via Jaguars YouTube Channel.
Allen, who was drafted by Jacksonville with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is the final year of his rookie deal. The Jaguars picked up his fifth-year option for the 2023 season, which is worth $10,892,000.
However, Allen has outplayed his contract and is looking for a long-term extension, which is why the concerns have arisen about his attendance during offseason workouts. As far as an extension, the situations with him and TE Evan Engram aren't technically the same. The Jags placed the franchise tag on Engram, which means he will earn $11,345,000 in 2023 and constitutes the average of the top five salaries at the position. The Jags and Engram have until July 15 at 4:00 pm to reach an agreement on a long-term contract, or they won't be able to do so until after the 2023 season ends.
The Jags and Allen don't have that same technical restriction, but it obviously behooves both sides to make a deal by that same time – before the start of training camp. And it makes sense because Allen's performance – and therefore his financial value – has continued to increase throughout his career. Allen's annual overall defensive grade from PFF rose to an impressive 84.7 in 2022. A big 2023, and his basis for a higher demand will strengthen significantly.
If a long-term agreement cannot be reached, the Jags could use the franchise tag on him next year, but that would cost a little over $20 million for the 2024 season, per OverTheCap.com. Spotrac estimates a market value for Allen at around 4 years, $64.7 million, or approximately $16 million per year. That's a sizeable increase and one that would put him the top 7 range of average annual value for his position.
For now, it's a positive step in that direction that the leader of Jacksonville's defense will be back in town next week with his teammates.
Featured image via Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
