While former Wyoming college quarterback Josh Allen has been garnering attention with the Buffalo Bills, holding the same name, another Josh Allen has been making waves for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, this linebacker has consistently delivered standout performances despite the team’s struggles on the field.
As the NFL combine for 2024 draws to a close, the impending onset of free agency looms large on the horizon. For the Jaguars, this signals a crucial period in determining the future of their vet linebacker.
Will Josh Allen’s possible franchise tag be worth much?
As per NFL insider Dov Kleiman, the team might resort to using the franchise tag on Allen if they fail to finalize a contract extension by next week. Should the Jaguars decide to go with the franchise tag, he’d be guaranteed a hefty sum of approximately $22.8 million for the coming season.
Despite the significant financial commitment, the Jaguars have the necessary cap space to accommodate his contract, with the NFL announcing a league-wide salary cap of $255.4 million per team. The franchise tag window is set to open on February 20 and will close on March 5, providing the Jaguars with a limited timeframe to make their decision.
By using the franchise tag, the Jaguars can secure Allen’s services for the upcoming season and have more time to negotiate a long-term deal. The team must act before the league’s July 15 deadline to secure his future with the franchise through a multi-year contract.
The team’s plans regarding Allen’s contract status have not been disclosed by general manager Trent Baalke. He reassured fans that the experienced player will stay with the Jaguars for the next season, regardless of negotiations or the franchise tag.
How did Jaguars LB Josh Allen perform in 2023?
Throughout the last regular season, Josh Allen recorded a total of 66 tackles, with 43 solo tackles and 23 assists. The defensive lineman also had a career-high 17.5 sacks in the last season, per ESPN.
Not only did he rack up a significant number of sacks, but he also demonstrated his impact by forcing two fumbles throughout the season. Although he didn’t personally recover any fumbles, his impactful play on the field created chances for his teammates to take advantage of loose balls and shift the game in the Jaguars’ direction.
The linebacker also demonstrated his skills in pass defense, intercepting the ball once and covering a total of 8 yards. His average return after an interception stood at 8.0 yards.
Throughout his career in the NFL, he accumulated an impressive tally of 251 tackles, including 162 solo tackles among which 89 assisted, 5 forced fumbles, and 45 sacks.
Following a successful career with the Jaguars, remaining in Jacksonville is a priority for him. The linebacker already expressed his eagerness to continue playing a pivotal role in the team’s ongoing transformation from perennial underdogs to legitimate contenders.
