The Detroit Lions have already signed several key free agents and traded for cornerback Carlton Davis this summer. According to Austin Mock’s NFL Projection Model, the Lions are having one of the finest four offseasons in the league. However, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, edge rusher Josh Allen remains a possibility for the Lions.
Knox identified Detroit as one of two teams who are “potential suitors” for Allen.
“The Detroit Lions signed pass-rusher Marcus Davenport in free agency, but only for one year,” Knox wrote. “Detroit has $21.6 million in cap space available and may see Allen as a long-term complement to Aidan Hutchinson.
“For Detroit, a lot could depend on how its cap situation looks after negotiating contracts with quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Head coach Dan Campbell has designated both as ‘priorities.'”
In addition to mentioning two potential bidders, Knox estimated Allen’s worth at $143 million on a five-year contract. He also anticipated that Allen will receive $88.5 million as a guarantee.
Allen has 45 sacks, 103 quarterback hits, and 9 forced fumbles during five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2023, he had a career-best 17.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 33 quarterback hits.
Jaguars Placed Franchise Tag on Edge Josh Allen
Allen’s rookie contract has expired, but he could remain with the Jaguars for at least one more season.
That’s because Jacksonville applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Allen shortly before the tag deadline.
“We were not able to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Josh [Allen] before today’s deadline, and thus, we have tagged him,” Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said on March 5, according to Demetrius Harvey of the Jacksonville Florida Times Union. “We greatly appreciate Josh’s leadership on the field, in the locker room, and in the community.
“Our goal of keeping Josh in Jacksonville in the coming years remains unchanged, and negotiations will continue.”
To stay in Jacksonville, Allen must agree to sign the tender. Teams can negotiate with Allen and have him sign an offer sheet as well. However, the Jaguars reserve the right to match any offer, and any team that signs Allen would send Jacksonville two first-round draft picks.
