The Jaguars lock up one of their own.

According to Ian Rapoport’s report on Wednesday morning, the Jacksonville Jaguars and star pass rusher Josh Allen are nearing a five-year contract extension, expected to surpass $100 million. This move solidifies Allen’s future with the team, indicating that the other Josh Allen in the AFC won’t be departing anytime soon, as the Jaguars and Allen plan to remain together for the long haul.

According to Rapoport, the agreement spans five years, ensuring Josh Allen’s long-term commitment to the team. Drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft and entering his age-27 season, Allen made a notable impact in his rookie year with 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits.

Adam Schefter’s report states that the contract is valued at $150 million, with $88 million guaranteed.

While Allen didn’t achieve double-digit sacks in the following three seasons, 2023 marked a turning point in his career. He experienced a breakout season, realizing his full potential by amassing 17.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 33 quarterback hits. This remarkable performance essentially equated to an average of one sack, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits per game, showcasing his exceptional productivity.

Following their breakout 2022 season, during which they won nine games and secured a playoff victory, the Jaguars aimed to continue their upward trajectory. However, despite finishing the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, they fell short of reaching the postseason and encountered a challenging stretch towards the end of the year. General Manager Trent Baalke remained proactive in free agency, with potentially securing the long-term contract for their top defensive player marking one of his final significant moves.

In the NFL, the ability to pressure the quarterback is often considered the second-most crucial aspect for a team, following the presence of a franchise quarterback. With Trevor Lawrence experiencing regression in 2023, the Jaguars may face challenges in this area. The question arises: Can Josh Allen make another significant leap in 2024 to aid the Jaguars in finally piecing together a successful campaign?