In a surprising turn of events, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen finds himself in a precarious financial position compared to his fellow NFL quarterbacks. Despite signing a lucrative six-year, $258 million extension just over three years ago, Allen’s contract is now seen as a bargain among his peers.
With a staggering $43 million average per year, Allen’s salary ranks 13th among NFL quarterbacks, a far cry from the top-tier salaries commanded by players like Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Even more shocking, Allen’s $100 million in guaranteed money places him just 11th in the league, highlighting the discrepancy between his performance on the field and his compensation.
One might expect Allen to be disgruntled by his perceived underpayment, but the quarterback’s response to this discrepancy may surprise some. When asked if he felt he was underpaid, Allen remained stoic, perhaps indicating a humble approach despite his impressive stats and accomplishments.
However, the most telling figure in Allen’s financial profile is what he is set to earn in the next three years. According to Spotrac, Allen is slated to receive just over $95 million through the 2026 season, placing him at 20th in the NFL in terms of earnings during that period.
This pales in comparison to the staggering salaries commanded by players like Lamar Jackson, who leads the list with over $155 million due to him. Additionally, 10 quarterbacks are set to earn more than $125 million over the next three years, further emphasizing Allen’s relative financial disadvantage.
What’s perhaps most astonishing is that three non-quarterbacks – Nick Bosa, Justin Jefferson, and Chris Jones – currently sit ahead of Allen on the list of highest earners through 2026. This anomaly speaks to the shifting dynamics of NFL salaries and the increasing value placed on defensive and offensive skill players in the league.
As Allen continues to lead the Bills to success on the field, his financial position remains a curious point of discussion among fans and analysts alike. While it may seem that Allen is underpaid based on his performance, the quarterback’s demeanor suggests a different take on his compensation in the grand scheme of things.
