GettyBleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named the Detroit Lions a potential suitor for edge rusher Josh Allen to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions acquired cornerback Carlton Davis through a trade in addition to adding many important free agents.As to the NFL Projection Model developed by Austin Mock, the Lions are enjoying one of the best four offseasons in NFL history. However, Josh Allen, an edge rusher, is still a possibility for the Lions, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
Detroit is one of the two teams Knox mentioned as Allen’s “possible suitors.”
Knox stated, “The Detroit Lions signed pass-rusher Marcus Davenport to a one-year contract, but they added him in free agency.” With $21.6 million in cap space available, Detroit may see Allen as Aidan Hutchinson’s long-term complement.
“After settling on contract extensions for quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, a lot for Detroit may depend on how its cap situation looks. Dan Campbell, head coach, has determined that both are “priorities.”
Not only did Knox list two possible bidders, but he also estimated Allen’s worth at $143 million over a five-year contract. He also forecasted that Allen will get a guaranteed $88.5 million.
In his five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen has recorded 45 sacks, 103 quarterback hits, and 9 forced fumbles. He recorded 33 quarterback hits, 17.5 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss in 2023—a career high.
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 just prior to the tag deadline, Jacksonville placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Allen.
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“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, via Jacksonville Florida Times-Union’s Demetrius Harvey. “We certainly value Josh’s leadership on the field, in the locker room and in the community.
“Our objective to keep Josh in Jacksonville in the coming years remains unchanged and negotiations will continue.”
For Allen to remain in Jacksonville, though, he will have to agree to sign the tender. Teams can negotiate with Allen and sign him to an offer sheet as well. But the Jaguars will have the right to match any offer, and any team who signs Allen will send Jacksonville two first-round draft picks.
How Allen Could Fit With the Lions
In all likelihood, Allen will remain with the Jaguars. Even if he doesn’t sign the tender, Jacksonville holds all the leverage and doesn’t have to trade him.
For Knox’s hypothetical, though, he proposed the Jaguars changing their minds and moving on from Allen this offseason.
The Lions are a clear choice if Allen becomes available in a trade. The sole Lions defender with more than five sacks in the previous campaign was defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. By adding Allen, Detroit would have two edge rushers who may end up being double-digit sack artists by 2024.
As was already mentioned, Davenport was signed by the Lions. However, Davenport has never finished a season with 10 sacks. Additionally, in his last 19 games, he has only had 2.5 sacks.
Additionally, Davenport has a one-year contract inked. Hutchinson and Allen might be Detroit’s defensive mainstays for some time to come.
However, as Knox pointed out, the Lions’ ability to afford Allen would mostly depend on how they want to handle contract extensions for players who are already part of the team.
A significant contract deal for offensive tackle Penei Sewell is imminent, in addition to those for quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Additionally, Hutchinson and Alem McNeill’s wage increases are not far off.
The Lions must exercise restraint in their expenditures even with their respectable cap room if they hope to re-sign every one of those talents within the next two to three years.
