Josh Allen — the edge rusher, not the quarterback — is slated to be one of the top available free agents on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. The Jacksonville Jaguars will have decisions to make on his future alongside others in free agency, but early indications are the franchise expects to bring him back as a crucial part of the defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars Aim To Bring Back Josh Allen
With Allen’s contract coming to an end following the 2023 season, he may entertain the idea of heading elsewhere given his in-demand skill set at one of the most impactful positions on the field.
The fifth-year player was an integral part of Jacksonville’s defense in 2023, as he broke out for a career year rushing the passes. Allen racked up 66 tackles (43 solo) and 17.5 sacks, which tied for second in the league, alongside two forced fumbles, one pass breakup, and one interception in 17 regular-season appearances.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke made it clear Thursday where the organization’s priorities lie with Allen.
“Josh Allen is going to be a Jaguar next year,” Baalke said.
It’s a statement that appears obvious on its face as any team would almost certainly want to bring back a player of Allen’s caliber, particularly after the production he delivered this past season.
However, Baalke’s comments could also hint at Jacksonville’s strategy for this offseason. Bringing Allen back at all costs could mean using the franchise tag on him, which would potentially mean leaving free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley with the ability to sign elsewhere.
That’s assuming the team doesn’t reach a contract extension with Ridley in the coming weeks.
National NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe stated as much after reporting on Baalke’s comments.
Potentially losing Ridley would be a tough blow to the Jaguars’ receiving corps and mean one less proven weapon for star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Ridley caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns on 136 targets this season, posting the second-most productive campaign of his career after making just five appearances in 2021 and missing the entirety of the 2022 season due to betting on NFL games.
Jacksonville does have WR Christian Kirk and TE Evan Engram under contract for the upcoming season, however, and thus could decide to let Ridley walk and add another playmaker through the draft or other means.
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Engram caught 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns this past season, while Kirk had 57 catches for 787 yards and three scores in 12 appearances.
It’s unclear how the Jaguars will ultimately approach Ridley’s future, but retaining Allen is evidently a top priority this offseason.
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