JACKSONVILLE – The long-term deal is done.
That means outside linebacker Josh Allen will be with the Jaguars well beyond the coming season.
Allen on Wednesday re-signed a five-year contract with the Jaguars. This removed the franchise tag the team assigned to him before the start of the 2024 NFL League Year in March, a tag that limited his ability to test unrestricted free agency.
"We are pleased to announce the signing of Josh Allen to a five-year contract," Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke said. "Josh is a true pro who has developed into one of the top producing defensive players at his position in the NFL and a cornerstone of our defense. He is a leader on and off the field, and we are excited for Josh and his family, as well as our fanbase."
Allen, who received the franchise tag from the Jaguars March 5, had until July 15 to agree to – and sign – a long-term deal with the organization. If that hadn't happened, he had the option of signing the franchise tender of $24.07 million and playing on a one-year contract for that amount.
Allen, selected No. 7 overall by the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL Draft, turned in a career-best season in 2023 with 17.5 sacks. That tied for second in the NFL this past season behind T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers with 19 and broke the previous franchise single-season sacks record of 14.5 set by defensive lineman Calais Campbell in 2017.
- Allen's 95 pressures in 2023 ranked second behind Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons' 99.
- Allen earned his second career Pro Bowl honor in 2023, having also earned the honor when he registered 10.5 sacks as a rookie in 2019.
- Allen in five seasons has 45 career sacks, second to defensive end Tony Brackens' 55.
