It sounds like Josh Allen and the Bills will eventually agree on a long-term pact, but the two sides are starting to play some hardball. Speaking to reporters, general manager Brandon Beane seemed to hint that the two sides weren’t close on a deal.
“Josh and I have spoken,” Beane said (via Chris Brown of the team’s website on Twitter). “We’d love to get Josh extended, but it has to be a number that works for him and us. We’re all on same page. Josh wants to be here. That gives me hope we’ll get something done at some point. Can’t guarantee it’ll be this year.”
That tiny revelation at the end is a bit telling. It was only last month that Beane revealed that the two sides would likely focus on extension talks following the draft, and there seemed to be some optimism that the deal would be completed relatively quickly. Now, it’s sounding like the organization isn’t convinced that a deal will get done any time soon.
Of course, there shouldn’t be any cause for concern. Allen could simply play the 2022 season on his fifth-year option, meaning there’s no urgency to get a deal done before the start of the 2021 season. In fact, Beane has plenty of experience dealing with this contract scenario; the former Panthers executive detailed how his front office was unable to extend Cam Newton following the QB’s third season.
“He played that season and then after that season, we got it done pretty quick that next offseason,” Beane said (via Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News). “We were all on the same page. I guess what I’m saying is, you can’t force it. It happens when it happens. If it happens this year, great. If it doesn’t, I’ll be very positive that we’ll get it done next year.”
Allen had a breakout campaign in 2020, transforming into an MVP candidate and guiding the Bills to 13 wins. He finished the year having completed 69.2-percent of his passes for 4,544 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, and he added another 421 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the grund. He also helped lead the Bills to the AFC Championship Game, the organization’s first appearance in the game since 1993. Considering some of the recent quarterback deals that have been handed out, Allen will certainly be eyeing a lucrative pay day when he inevitably puts pen to paper.
4 words: Jared Goff, Carson Wentz.
Wentz was somehow traded for assets. Allen is much better than Goff.
These QB evaluations are fickle.
No one would have agreed with you before last season.
most athletes are gambles for various reasons
He’s gonna need a brinks truck.
Too soon to cripple the Bills payroll with his contract.
He is the best QB behind Mahomes with the intangibles. I never say this but pay the guy
2nd best QB?
That’s silly
Right now going into next year, who would be ahead for second? Rogers, Wilson, and Brady? Age may kick in finally. Jackson? Eh. He’s more of a dominant facilitator than a QB, but I could see a debate here. I’d go with Watson, but not sure what his situation is going to be, and after that I can’t think of anyone else.
Rodgers wants to host jeopardy, Wilson is a malcontent in Seattle and Brady is one hit away from retirement. Jackson plays great until the playoffs and Watson is fast becoming a pariah unless his lawyer has a miracle hidden up his sleeve. Josh looks like a pretty good bet right now especially looking back at the Bills’ past QB’s
“We’d love to get Josh extended, but it has to be a number that works for him and us”.
Mostly us I would bet.
that’s what Dallas thought
The Cowboys financial value far exceeds the Bills which are a small market franchise so I’m not sure you can compare the two.
I’d really rather wait a year and make sure last year wasn’t a fluke.
DANG!!! Dak drama all over again for the next 2 years, except the asking price will be higher