ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL

Bills QB now under contract through 2028

MARK LUDWICZAK

The Bills already knew they had found their franchise quarterback. Now they know that he won’t be going anywhere else.

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.