When the Buffalo Bills inked Josh Allen to a six-year, $258 million deal in 2021, it seemed like a hefty sum. However, in light of recent contracts, Allen's deal now appears to be a bargain. With an average annual salary of $43 million, Allen, an unquestioned top-3 quarterback in the NFL, is earning less than some of his counterparts who have been paid more.
One such quarterback is Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions who recently secured a four-year, $212 million extension with $170 million guaranteed. Goff's contract makes him the highest-paid player in Lions history, earning $53 million per year. Could this development prompt Allen to seek a new deal?
Allen has previously restructured his contract each year to create salary cap space for the Bills. Undoubtedly, he is a superior quarterback to Goff. While Goff relies on ample time and open receivers, Allen excels at making plays off-script, showcasing his versatility and skill.
With the finalized extension, Allen finds himself earning less than quarterbacks like Goff, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts (and only $3 million more than Giants quarterback Daniel Jones). Allen has outperformed Goff/Herbert and has achieved more success than Jackson in the playoffs. While Hurts presents a close comparison, Allen has had consistent success since before he was in the league . As for Burrow, he is the only player who could potentially argue for a higher salary than Allen, despite concerns about his durability.
Despite his preference for handling business privately, it's not far-fetched to imagine Josh Allen engaging in private conversations with the Buffalo Bills about securing a new and more lucrative contract. As a top-tier quarterback, Allen's performance on the field makes him a highly sought-after asset for most NFL teams.