The reigning NFL MVP, Josh Allen, is getting paid more than the best player on the defending NBA Champions

The sports world is buzzing with financial fireworks after Josh Allen, the superstar quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, signed a record-breaking contract extension. The six-year, $330 million deal, which includes an unprecedented $250 million in guaranteed money, has set a new standard for NFL contracts.

Allen’s extension not only cements his place as the highest-paid quarterback in Buffalo Bills history but also positions him among the highest-earning athletes worldwide. His new contract even surpasses the earnings of some of the biggest stars in the NBA, a league traditionally known for massive player salaries.

In this deep dive, we’ll analyze the financial breakdown of Allen’s contract, compare it to other major sports deals, and explore what this means for the future of NFL quarterback salaries and the Buffalo Bills’ championship aspirations.

Josh Allen’s Journey: From Small-Town Star to NFL MVP

Early Years and Draft Selection

Josh Allen’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming out of Firebaugh, California, a small town with fewer than 10,000 residents, Allen was lightly recruited in high school. After spending a year at Reedley College, he transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he showcased his cannon-like arm, elite athleticism, and leadership skills.

Despite his talent, Allen entered the 2018 NFL Draft with mixed evaluations. Critics questioned his accuracy, but his 6’5” frame, rocket arm, and dual-threat ability made him an intriguing prospect. The Buffalo Bills took a chance on him, selecting him with the seventh overall pick.

Breaking Out as an Elite Quarterback

After a rocky rookie season, Allen improved steadily, transforming himself into one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. His breakthrough came in the 2020 season, when he led the Bills to a 13-3 record, threw for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns, and guided Buffalo to the AFC Championship Game.

In 2024, Allen reached the pinnacle of his career, winning the NFL MVP award after an incredible season in which he threw for 5,000+ yards and 40 touchdowns, rushed for over 700 yards, and led the Bills to another deep playoff run.

His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership has made him the face of the franchise, prompting the Bills to reward him with a historic contract extension.

Inside Josh Allen’s $330 Million Contract: Breaking Down the Numbers

Allen’s contract is one of the most lucrative deals in NFL history. Here’s a closer look at the financial details:

• Total Contract Value: $330 million
• Length of Contract: 6 years
• Guaranteed Money: $250 million (NFL record)
• Average Annual Salary: $55 million per year

Largest Guaranteed Contract in NFL History

The most eye-catching aspect of Allen’s deal is the $250 million guaranteed—the highest in NFL history. This surpasses the previous record held by Deshaun Watson, who received a fully guaranteed $230 million contract from the Cleveland Browns in 2022.

Guaranteed money is crucial in the NFL, where injuries are common and contracts often feature non-guaranteed portions. The Bills’ commitment to Allen signals complete faith in their quarterback as the cornerstone of their franchise for the foreseeable future.

Josh Allen vs. Other Top-Paid Athletes: A Salary Comparison

Allen’s contract puts him among the highest-paid athletes in the world, surpassing some of the biggest stars in other major sports.

Josh Allen vs. NFL’s Highest-Paid Quarterbacks

Before Allen’s extension, the highest-paid quarterbacks in terms of average annual salary were:

1. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): $55 million per year
2. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): $45 million per year
3. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): $52 million per year
4. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns): $46 million per year

With $55 million per year, Allen now ties Joe Burrow for the highest annual salary but sets a new benchmark in guaranteed money.

Josh Allen vs. NBA Superstars

The NBA is known for massive player contracts, but Allen’s deal even surpasses some of the league’s top earners. Here’s how his $55M per year salary compares to the NBA’s highest-paid players:

1. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): $55.7 million per year
2. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): $53 million per year
3. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets): $52 million per year

Josh Allen vs. MLB and Soccer Superstars

Unlike the NFL, Major League Baseball (MLB) and European soccer offer fully guaranteed contracts. Some of the highest-paying deals include:

• Shohei Ohtani (MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers): $70 million per year
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, MLS): estimated $50 million per year
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League): Over $200 million per year

While Allen’s contract isn’t as massive as Ohtani’s or Ronaldo’s, it remains one of the largest in American sports history.

How Will This Impact the Buffalo Bills?

Can the Bills Still Build a Competitive Roster?

One of the biggest challenges for any team giving out a record-breaking contract is maintaining a championship-caliber roster. With $55 million per year going to Allen, the Bills must be strategic in managing their salary cap.

The front office will need to prioritize key positions like offensive line and defense while finding affordable, high-impact players in the draft and free agency.

Will Allen Deliver a Super Bowl?

The Bills have been perennial contenders since Allen’s emergence, but they have yet to win a Super Bowl. With this massive investment, expectations will be sky-high. Anything less than a Super Bowl appearance in the next few years will be considered a disappointment.

Reactions from the NFL World

Players and Analysts Weigh In

NFL players and analysts have reacted strongly to Allen’s historic extension:

• Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB): “Congrats to Josh! Well deserved. We’ll see you in the playoffs.”
• Stefon Diggs (Bills WR): “Big money for my guy! Now let’s go win that ring.”
• Shannon Sharpe (Analyst, Undisputed): “This is the way the NFL is going. Quarterbacks are getting PAID. And Josh Allen is worth every penny.”

Fans Celebrate (and Debate) the Contract

Bills fans have largely celebrated the deal, happy to see their franchise quarterback locked in for years to come. However, some have raised concerns about the impact on future roster moves and whether Allen can lead Buffalo to its first Super Bowl victory.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Josh Allen and the Bills?

Josh Allen’s six-year, $330 million extension with $250 million guaranteed has reshaped the NFL’s quarterback market and positioned him as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

As the face of the Buffalo Bills, Allen now carries even greater expectations. The franchise has invested in him to bring a Super Bowl to Buffalo, and anything less will be seen as falling short of that goal.

Now, the only question remains: Can Josh Allen deliver on this historic investment and lead the Buffalo Bills to championship glory?