Both the Buffalo Bills and their star quarterback, Josh Allen, had expressed optimism that a long-term contract extension could be hammered out and, on Friday, news broke that Allen and the Bills had come to terms on a deal that would keep Buffalo’s All-Pro QB in Western New York through the 2028 season.
In today’s edition of the Bills daily links, we break down the contract—a six-year extension worth $258 million with $150 million guaranteed. We hear from Allen, general manager Brandon Beane, head coach Sean McDermott, and current and past players on the deal, which will pay Allen an average of $43 million per season.
Allen and Beane discuss how both sides successfully negotiated this contract extension and why a deal needed to be worked out before the season started. We also learn how this new deal—the second-richest for an NFL quarterback on a per-year basis—came to be, and why the extension raises the stakes for both Allen and the Bills moving forward.
We also recap Saturday’s Blue & Red practice, which drew 18,000 fans to Highmark Stadium. We reveal how Allen, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Buffalo’s first-team offense put on a show for the fans, analyze how safety Micah Hyde and linebacker Tyler Matakevich delivered highlight reel plays, explore how running back Matt Breida stood out in a crowded backfield, examine how the team’s lack of depth along the offensive line could be a problem, and more!
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Josh Allen breaks the bank with contract extension...
Bills agree to terms on six-year extension with Josh Allen - WGR 550
“ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting the deal is worth $258 million with $150 million in total guaranteed money,” writes Brayton J. Wilson.
Buffalo Bills sign QB Josh Allen to 6-year extension; deal worth $258M with $150M guaranteed, sources say - ESPN.com Buffalo Bills Blog
“Allen’s $43 million in average annual value is second to Mahomes’ $45 million,” writes Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Josh Allen’s contract extension every bit as huge as was expected - Democrat & Chronicle
“There really shouldn’t have been a shred of doubt about the Josh Allen contract extension getting done this summer,” writes Sal Maiorana.
Josh Allen, Bills agree to reported 6-year, $258 million extension; $150 million guaranteed most ever in NFL - newyorkupstate.com
Allen is now under contract through the 2028 season in Buffalo.
Josh Allen’s status as the Bills’ franchise quarterback is solidified with massive contract extension | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“It’s done,” writes Jay Skurski.
Breakdown of Josh Allen’s giant contract extension | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The deal gets tacked on to the two remaining years that were on Allen’s rookie contract, signed in 2018,” writes Mark Gaughan.
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“Buffalo has locked up its franchise quarterback for the long haul,” writes Chase Goodbread.
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“Josh Allen’s newfound wealth likely won’t change the type of person he is,” writes Sal Maiorana.
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“He is only behind Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has a 10-year, $450 million contract.”
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“Josh Allen’s contract extension with the Bills tops the largest contract in total money ever given to a Buffalo athlete by quite a large margin.”
Allen, Bills know extension brings about huge expectations
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“Make no mistake, the football he will play from here on out will be done so with a glaring spotlight shining on him,” writes Sal Maiorana.
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“Allen is now being paid like Mahomes, so anything short of winning the Super Bowl will be considered a disappointment,” writes Marcel Louis-Jacques.
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“Everyone paying close attention expected Beane to get this done before the season opener on Sept. 12. It made too much sense for both sides,” writes Mark Gaughan.
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Why Allen’s deal had to happen now
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“With a deal of this magnitude, the two sides also have to get together and figure out how to bring it all together so that, as Allen put it Friday night, both sides feel like they won,” writes Joe Buscaglia. (Subscription required).
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Reactions to Allen’s mammoth extension
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The Bills have found their franchise QB and paid him as such.
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“Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s extension was the talk of the football world Friday.”
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“First-year Bills running back Matt Breida joined the “Howard and Jeremy Show” on Friday.”
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“Josh Allen’s mom, LaVonne, got one heck of a birthday present Friday,” writes Jay Skurski.
Thoughts and observations from Blue & Red practice
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“Here were observations from the ninth day of Bills training camp, which was attended by more than 18,000 fans in Orchard Park,” writes Mark Gaughan.
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“Bills guard Jon Feliciano is close to Allen, and he was overwhelmed that Allen got his new deal,” writes Paul Hamilton.
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Odds and ends
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“What has become increasingly unclear this week is whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo will play any role in what the team eventually gets in a stadium negotiation,” writes Tom Precious.
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“The team is getting better with every training camp practice, players have come back healthier and stronger than ever, and Josh Allen just signed a massive extension that will keep him in town for at least the next eight years,” writes Dante Lasting.
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