The NFL continues to build in value and that means players are getting record deals on an annual basis.
News broke Friday afternoon that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was signing a massive extension with the team.
Compensation update on Josh Allen new deal that @mortreport reported on: it’s a six-year deal worth $258 million, including $150 million guaranteed, per source. https://t.co/KXcgliKYAI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2021
$150 million guaranteed is a mind-blowing number, but proves the market is going to keep climbing.
How do we know that?
Well, Allen ends up being the first of a trio of NFL quarterbacks to get a new deal.
The other two are Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson, and both have to be thrilled with the Allen extension news.
No One Wants To Be First
Which QB deserves the next monster contract extension?
🔁 Lamar Jackson
❤️ Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/k8ErnpGyo5— PFF (@PFF) August 6, 2021
Mayfield and Jackson have been sitting quietly, waiting for the market to develop.
Allen decided $150 million guaranteed was great for him and signed his deal to remain the franchise quarterback in Buffalo for years to come.
That sets the market for the next man up between Mayfield and Jackson.
Let’s say, for example, Mayfield now wants to get a deal done.
What Allen got is just the starting point in negotiations and that likely means the Cleveland Browns offer over that $150 million guaranteed mark.
The same is true for Jackson in his own negotiations.
Both are sitting pretty and regardless of who is up next, a massive payday is coming.
Still A Massive Fortune
It is always wise to wait in such negotiations.
All three young guys were not in a huge rush, but it is obviously nice to get a deal signed now when healthy.
Injuries can change everything when it comes to future money.
But Mayfield and Jackson may now be inclined to just move forward and try to get extensions signed.
They know the guaranteed dollar mark to strive for and Allen did them a huge favor.
Ultimately, they are not going to blow Allen’s deal out of the water.
But any extra money is nice and it is apparent starting quarterbacks will now be taking home $40-45 million annually without much discussion.
Mayfield and Jackson have not even done all that much, in terms of postseason success, but they have been competent and this is the way the NFL is going.
Teams are desperate for above-average quarterback play and know if they don’t lock up a successful young player it could lead to problems and ultimately starting the search over again in a few years.
So Friday is a great day for Allen, Mayfield, and Jackson.
One is already a rich man, while the other two are slowly but surely approaching that point.
The fascinating thing is that all three are in the AFC, which also includes Patrick Mahomes.
How will these massive contracts be graded if the Kansas City Chiefs run the AFC for years to come?
Simple math shows the chances of Allen, Mayfield, and Jackson winning Super Bowls on their new deals is unlikely.
But for now, hope abounds.
NEXT: Saints Can’t Move Forward With Taysom Hill As Starter