Here’s why Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen is livid about the Stefon Diggs trade.
Linebacker Josh Allen has given his all to the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. Since being drafted to the teal and black with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 draft, Allen has made a name for himself in Northern Florida. Over five seasons, the former University of Kentucky standout has recorded 251 total tackles, 103 quarterback hits, 53 tackles for loss, 45 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.
Allen’s high level of play led to the Jaguars picking up his fifth-year option, guaranteeing a $10.9 million salary for the linebacker in 2023. The lack of a long-term deal lit a fire under Allen, as the 2023 season was his best performance to date. Allen emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year contender with 66 tackles, 33 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks.
You can imagine the disappointment Allen felt when career-best numbers still weren’t enough to secure a long-term deal. Instead, the Jaguars opted to franchise tag the linebacker, proposing a one-year, $24 million deal. The franchise tag is often used as a tool to secure the player for another year while contract negotiations continue. This hasn’t been the case in Jacksonville, however.
After news broke of the Houston Texans trading for four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, Allen let his frustration out on X, liking a post about the Jaguars’ lack of commitment to making a serious playoff run. The post brings up multiple points about building a promising future in Jacksonville, one of them being that the team needs to commit to Allen long-term.
