Can’t see the forest for the tress: Breaking down Josh Allen’s contract.
Mike D, Overdue Bills Lead Writer
Initially, I planned this article to be about the rumor, or should it be called a threat, of the BUFFALO Bills moving to Austin, TX if taxpayers don't pay for a $1.5 billion stadium. I think that we are all smart enough to understand this is a negotiating tactic. But in my personal life, I believe in the power of "speaking things into existence", so just the mere fact that is out in the universe makes me a little nervous. However, another story took the lead Friday when news broke that Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a six-year $258M contract extension. A big payday for Josh Allen puts him only behind Patrick Mahomes (he signed a ten-year $503M extension in July 2020). Let's discuss what this all means.
If you're expecting me to itemize his contract details, tell you his workout bonuses, and how Brandon Beane can restructure down the road, sorry to disappoint you. On social media, I witnessed average joes turning into Einstein when breaking down his contract. And while it's easy to get caught up in the yearly breakdown, you’ll never see the contract as a whole. In layman's terms, you can't see the forest for the trees. I'll give everyone a pass because this is just a showing of our Buffalo sports fandom insecurities. In my opinion, too much time was spent on why Allen's contract differs from Mahomes's contract, and not enough time recognizing that we now have the 2nd highest-paid QB in the NFL. And with great money, comes great expectations. Let's get into some of those.
Josh had an MVP caliber season last year and led us to our first AFC Championship game since 1994. Due to that, he is financially set for life. But since his price has been raised, so have the standards. He threw for 37 touchdowns and ran for 8 in 2020. Going forward, I'm looking for a combined pass/rushing total of at least 35. In terms of yardage, he must be in the 4,000's every year. It is a passing league and we are a passing team, therefore this should be an easy feat. I'm not a huge interception guy, especially since Josh attempts throws other QB's could only dream about, therefore the other team may catch more than usual one year. As long as he isn't Jameis “30 for 30”, we are all good. Lastly, we must be a relevant team year in and year out. I expect to be a contender every year, and playing games into late January. Regardless of the talent around him on offense, or how terrible the defense is. I expect him to overcome adversity like so many of the greats before him. Hell, he's making more money than they ever did.
This was a defining day for all parties involved. 1) Josh Allen because he is the one who signed the deal. He is taking on the challenge to be the leader in the locker room, and face of the franchise for the years to come. Being one of the highest-paid QB's in the league puts a target on your back. With at least 4 primetime games in 2021 (potential for more), heat can get turned up after a couple of poor outings on nationally broadcasted television. 2) Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott because now the job starts. We saw that stacking a talented team around a rookie QB works (i.e Russell Wilson, Carson Wentz, and Jared Goff). But having one of the highest-paid QBs in the league has not yielded the results you may think it has. With Josh's pay increasing, tough decisions will be made regarding the supporting cast. 3) Lastly, it is time for the fans to accept the new Buffalo. We are in the top 3 super bowl favorites. We have 2nd highest-paid QB in the league. We have one of the best passing games in the league. We have one of the best WRs in the league. And we have one of the best front offices in the league. We must hold EVERYONE accountable, even if that means McBeanne, our beloved #17, or someone in your season ticket group. This team has high expectations, and they are betting on themselves. Let's follow their lead. Peace ✌🏽