In March 2024, the Buffalo Bills weren’t widely seen as serious playoff contenders after general manager Brandon Beane offloaded several veteran contracts in a cost-cutting move ahead of free agency.
Among the key departures was star receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
Despite the losses on both sides of the ball, quarterback Josh Allen carried the team to an AFC Championship appearance, coming just one score short of reaching Super Bowl LIX. His outstanding regular-season performance earned him the 2024 NFL MVP award.
Now, the Bills may have to pay the price for Allen’s success.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Josh Allen is expected to pursue a pay raise this offseason, a move that could create tension within the Bills’ front office. Teams are typically hesitant to renegotiate contracts with four years remaining, as it sets a challenging precedent.
“Newly crowned MVP Josh Allen may soon seek a new deal, as he’s set to average around $32 million per season over the remainder of his contract while earning just $14.5 million in 2024,” Graziano wrote. “The issue is that four years are still left on the contract, and teams usually avoid extensions that early.
“However, similar to what Patrick Mahomes has done with the Chiefs since his record-setting extension in 2020, the Bills could restructure Allen’s deal to better align with the current quarterback market. I wouldn’t be surprised if a new contract for Allen is announced this offseason.”
A no-win situation for the Buffalo Bills
Allen inked a six-year, $258 million contract extension in 2021, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season.
The Bills now face a tough dilemma following Allen’s MVP win. To keep their franchise quarterback satisfied, they’ll likely need to adjust his contract, potentially sacrificing resources for other positions. On the other hand, refusing to do so could strain their relationship with Allen, leading to potential long-term repercussions.