The Buffalo Bills didn't need to offer a huge extension to reigning league MVP Josh Allen. He had four years remaining on his previous deal with the organization.
Plenty of people remain confused, then, regarding exactly why the team decided to pay the All-Pro a record six-year, $330 million contract extension with an NFL record $250 million guaranteed.
The money alone balloons his current average to $55 million per year.
And that's exactly why FS1's Craig Carton remains confused as to why the Bills opted to give their quarterback a deal right away.
"He's under contract at a huge number. I'm trying to figure out what the Bills gain because it's not cap space this year. I did the numbers. It's a $40 million-something hit against their cap this year. So why did they need to give Josh Allen more money now? And there's no answer so don't come up with one. We just move on. There's no answer."
Allen is certainly deserving of being one of the highest paid quarterbacks in league history. There's a key reason why Buffalo got the deal done here, though.
Immediate cap relief.
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Allen's current deal saves the team money in 2025 to open cap space to sign other players. The organization has already signed wide receiver Joshua Palmer and defensive linemen Michael Hoecht as clear examples of how they were able to get that done.
Allen certainly didn't take a paycut. But he did provide some relief for the team to move forward and stay competitive in an open AFC.
Related: Bills' Fan Favorite Receiver Signs With AFC East Rival
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM.