The Bills signed Josh Allen to a historic six-year, $258 million contract extension with $100 million in guaranteed money on Aug. 6. With two years left on his rookie contract — this year and his fifth-year option next year — the deal keeps Allen locked up through the 2028 season.
“It’s really part of the goal of why you are playing this game,” Allen said. “It has these types of opportunities to set you and your families up for a very long time. But again, I understand that this money is awarded but I’ve got to go out there and continue to earn it. The position I’m in is a blessing. I’m still on cloud nine right now. Just the support that I had for my teammates throughout the day was such a cool feeling and I love these guys here.”
The contract is a historic one for several reasons. It is the largest contract in Bills history, topping Marcell Dareus’ six-year, $108 million deal in 2015. It’s the first nine-figure full guarantee in NFL history. And it’s the second-highest average salary ($43 million) in NFL history.
“To be able to reward Josh and help us pay the franchise quarterback that we found here a few years ago, you’ve got to have ownership that’s committed,” general manager Brandon Beane said. “They never bat an eye, they’re so good with listening and being a part of the process and our players see that. And you know I know Sean and I appreciate being able to reward the guys that we bring in here that have represented what we're all about.”
It had become clear that both sides would come to an eventual agreement; Allen established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league this past season and the Bills had finally found their long-awaited successor to Jim Kelly. It was just a matter of timing.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
TRACKING TRAINING CAMP
Bills Digest was there for all the big moments at training camp. Here are some observations …
‘We're constantly trying to evolve'
For more on what’s happening within Buffalo’s offense, here are some highlights from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s recent press conferences.
‘On the field you must flip that switch'
Here are some highlights from head coach Sean McDermott’s recent press conferences.
ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL
Bills QB now under contract through 2028
Right back in the swing of things
It’s fair to say that this year’s Bills training camp looks wildly different from those of the past.
1st & Ten with STEFON DIGGS
Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
THE RIGHT STUFF?
Keeping two important starters is a priority as the right side of the O-line hits free agency
QUARTERBACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
The Latent Image
Gay Thriller THE LATENT IMAGE Acquired by Cinephobia Releasing
HAMMER ATTACK
Three Virgin Marys kept their baleful eyes on the back of Allen’s head. But more powers were needed—of clemency, of healing—so, to accompany the dolorous mothers, somebody had also taped to the wall behind Allen’s hospital bed half a dozen Jesuses (a few were laminated), the famous “Last Supper” painting, and a grave-looking figure who, Alice, one of Allen’s sisters, told Gina, was St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, of last hope.
20 BOTY 23
From a diverse field of new performance sailing entries, vetted and sailed in perfect conditions in Annapolis in October, four favorites emerged as the best of the best. The overall winner, our 2023 Boat of the Year, is the one we've been waiting for.
Tim Allen
FOR TIM ALLEN, REVISITING HIS ICONIC LEAD ROLE IN THE SANTA CLAUSES November 16, Disney+) was more than just creating content” for a nostalgic streaming audience. We had a great responsibility.”
Scene & Heard
Y&R's Joshua has Hope for the future.
Remembrances: Douglas Myers
"Respect the cat, and treat it with care. Exhibitors will forget if you don't final their cat; they'll never forgive if you mishandle it."
How I Built a Home Care Company During a Health Care Labor Shortage
Evalena "Barbara" Flournoy was none too pleased when her youngest sons, identical twins Joshua and Caleb, dropped out of college in 2007 to start their own company.
On Planning Her Wedding - I'M NOT A BRIDEZILLA YET!
The Southern Charm star expects to lose her cool at some point before her upcoming nuptials
Fremer sings standards
Whenever I do turntable setup seminars, I complain to the participants about the lack of cartridge-pin diameter and clip-opening standards. Anyone who does their own setup has experienced it: The connection is too tight or too loose.
Into the Great Wide Open
If you're a remote worker with a bad case of wanderlust, Kift wants you to consider a coworking model that's heavy on communal living and heavier on vans Howaldang