Josh Allen, a talented pass rusher, will play for the Jaguars for at least another season after the team applied the franchise tag to him on Tuesday. The seventh overall choice in the 2019 draft, Allen, is 10 sacks short of the team’s career record of 55, which is currently held by Tony Brackens (1996–2003). In the last year of his rookie deal, Allen established a single-season franchise record with 17.5 sacks.
If Allen accepts Jacksonville’s non-exclusive franchise tender, it will ensure him $24 million in 2024. Josh Allen and the Jaguars have until July 15 to finalize a long-term agreement. Allen would have to play under the tag or risk missing out on millions of dollars if they didn’t.
The anticipated action came after the organization released three defensive starters, Darious Williams (cornerback), Rayshawn Jenkins (safety), and Foley Fatukasi (defensive tackle), freeing about $20 million in salary cap space.
Over the course of five seasons and 74 games, Josh Allen has 45 sacks. In 2023, the Virginia native and former Kentucky standout achieved career highs in tackles (66), quarterback hits (33) and sacks. For the second straight season, he started every one of the 17 games and was selected to his second Pro Bowl.
It’s obvious that the Jaguars want to sign him to a long-term contract. However, because talks had not yet begun, general manager Trent Baalke stated in January that the parties were “very far” apart.
“I know Josh wants to be here. I know we want him here,” Baalke said. “Can we come to a number that works for everybody? That’s the key. I respect that. … You got to respect these guys that put themselves in this position. They work hard. They deserve to make good money.
“What good means to them could be different than what it means to us. We just got to come together, sit down at the table and work things out.”
The Jaguars will probably run the danger of losing receiver Calvin Ridley to free agency if they tag Allen.
After missing the majority of the previous two seasons due to a broken foot, a mental health issue, and a yearlong gambling suspension, Ridley made his first start in all 17 games last season. He finished with 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and 8 touchdowns.
If the Jaguars sign Ridley before to the start of the new league year, they will have to send Atlanta a second-round pick. It’s more likely that they will hold out, forfeit a third-round pick, and accept the possibility that Ridley won’t stay in Jacksonville.
“Next year will be a better year for me, for sure,” Ridley said following the season finale. “Just to get this year under my belt was real important. … I got out of this season healthy. I know I’m a good player. I feel young. I can run fast. It’s whoever wants a good player.”
When free agency begins the following week, Ridley will be able to sign with any team.
Jacksonville will be looking for backup pass rushers K’Lavon Chaisson and Dawuane Smoot, as well as secondary support and a seasoned center to go up against third-year player Luke Fortner.
One of Baalke’s top priorities is getting guard Ezra Cleveland and center Ridley back. However, securing a long-term contract for Allen ought to be his top concern.
Instead of giving Allen a new deal before or during the previous season, Jacksonville decided to force him to play on a nearly $11 million fifth-year option. If he were to go on the open market, he probably would receive about $30 million a year.
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