Around these parts, we correctly already view Josh Allen as an elite quarterback in the National Football League. The Buffalo Bills share that view, given Brandon Beane’s stated desire to work out a contract extension with Allen as well.
But ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky isn’t so sure yet.
While appearing on “Get Up” on Wednesday, the former journeyman pass-thrower ranked his top-five quarterbacks who are under the most pressure this upcoming season. Orlovsky put Allen at No. 4 on his list, behind just Tua Tagovailoa, Carson Wentz and Matthew Stafford.
“Josh you took a HUGE LEAP & QB a (Super Bowl) contender now,” Orlovsky went on to tweet. “Prove it wasn’t a fluke while you’re still cheap.”
While Allen is certainly under pressure to deliver a repeat performance in 2021, he’s improved in each of his first three seasons. During his rookie campaign, he completed just 52.8% of his passes for 2,054 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Last year, he completed nearly 70% of his throws for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns.
With that in mind, Beane said earlier this year he wants to get Allen’s extension done as soon as possible.
“It helps you for your planning the sooner you can get that contract done,” the Bills general manager told NFL Media back in March. “Again, I hope that we can get him done, if not this year, next year. You don't want to get into the franchise [tag] and all that stuff.”
While negotiations remain quiet between the Bills and Allen, Beane is already seemingly trying to free up cash to get Allen signed. The Bills recently converted more than $11.7 million of Stefon Diggs’ base salary into a signing bonus, saving $8 million in cap space.
With Allen still under his rookie deal, the Bills have been able to surround him with a star-laden supporting cast. In that aspect, there’s pressure for Allen to succeed this season. He may never have as many good players around him again.
But given his skill level, that may not matter. Great quarterbacks elevate their teammates. We expect Allen to be no different.