ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — On Sunday, Josh Allen, the NFL’s MVP and star quarterback, secured a monumental contract extension with the Buffalo Bills. The deal, which places him amongst the highest earners in the league, amounts to a staggering $330 million, with $250 million guaranteed—a new record in terms of guarantees. This agreement extends Allen’s time with the Bills through to the 2030 season, adding two more years to his current contract.
The previous benchmark for guaranteed money was set by Cleveland’s DeShaun Watson, who signed a five-year deal worth $230 million in 2022. Josh Allen’s new arrangement, however, makes him second only to Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes in terms of total contract value, with Mahomes having secured a 10-year, $450 million deal back in 2020. At the same time, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys leads in average annual salary, pulling in $60 million after his four-year, $240 million extension.
This extension follows Allen’s standout seventh season in the NFL, where he became the first Bills player to receive the MVP award since Thurman Thomas in 1991. This contract surpasses his previous six-year, $258 million agreement made in 2021. Since joining the NFL, Allen has silenced critics with his stellar performance, becoming one of the most elite quarterbacks and setting numerous single-season records for the franchise. His selection as the No. 7 pick in the 2018 draft from Wyoming was initially met with skepticism over his raw talent and accuracy, but he has proven doubters wrong.
In the years following Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s retirement in 1996, quarterback consistency had eluded the Bills until Allen took the helm. With Allen, the Bills have captured five consecutive AFC East titles and made six playoff appearances. His most recent MVP season was marked by his ability to excel despite limited receiving options, after the team traded Stefon Diggs and saw Gabe Davis leave in free agency. Under the team’s “Everybody Eats” philosophy, Buffalo clinched the AFC East early by achieving 13 wins.
Even though Allen did not surpass 4,000 passing yards for the first time since 2019, his performance was marked by efficiency, with only six interceptions and numerous career highs, including 28 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing scores. He even claimed a touchdown via a unique lateral play with Amari Cooper. Yet, an elusive Super Bowl appearance persists as the team’s aim, having lost twice in the AFC championship game to Kansas City.
Off the field, Allen recently made headlines with his personal life as well, proposing to Hailee Steinfeld, an actress and singer, during the team’s November bye week. Their relationship began earlier in 2023, with various sightings fueling public interest. Allen has been vocal about Steinfeld’s positive impact on his professional life, noting her unwavering support and enthusiasm.
Furthermore, the new contract is poised to provide Buffalo with fiscal flexibility as they approached the salary cap limit, notably after releasing veteran player Von Miller earlier the same day. Meanwhile, General Manager Brandon Beane has been actively extending the contracts of key younger players, including Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and Khalil Shakir.
Allen’s career to date is decorated with numerous accolades, like his two-time All-Pro recognition, a remarkable 76 NFL wins, and record-setting 262 touchdowns and over 30,595 total yards accumulated in his first seven seasons. He also holds the team’s top single-season records, which include a record 4,544 passing yards in 2020 and the new mark for most total touchdowns with 262.
