Buffalo Bills receive big boost heading into training camp
By Paul Taylor
The Buffalo Bills announced some good news on the eve of training camp, as 2018 seventh overall draft pick Josh Allen signed his rookie contract.
Buffalo Bills fans received some good news on the eve of training camp. Josh Allen has signed his rookie contract.
The news was confirmed by Bills’ insider, Chris Brown. The contract is for four years, and is worth around $21.2 million.
Negotiations arguably took longer than expected. The deal was held up due to offset language, which means players cut before the end of their rookie contract have the remaining guaranteed money reduced by whatever they earn elsewhere.
However, all that matters is that Allen is now signed and can begin training camp with no distractions. As he told Brown: “I’m excited to sign. I’m excited to start this process with the team.”
The 22-year-old is seen as the next great hope in Western New York, to become the Bills’ long-term answer at quarterback. The team has been searching for such a player, ever since Jim Kelly retired following the 1996 season.
Certainly, Allen has a lot of attributes which have people in the Buffalo area extremely excited, including size and superior arm strength. This is why the Bills were so eager to move up to seventh in the 2018 draft, in order to select him.
When the Firebaugh, California native gets the chance to show what he can do in the regular season, is still open to question. Head coach Sean McDermott insists all three candidates for the job will get an equal shot during training camp and the preseason.
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As we’ve previously discussed, the smart money seems to be on A.J. McCarron being under center in Week 1. He has a 2-1 record and 93.6 passer rating in limited playing time for the Cincinnati Bengals, together with the experience of starting a playoff game.
Despite McDermott insisting everyone will have an equal chance, we just don’t envision Nathan Peterman getting the nod for opening weekend in Baltimore. Fair or not, we predict it will come down to McCarron or Allen.
In theory, it makes more sense to start McCarron against the Ravens, rather than throwing Allen to the wolves. Especially when you consider the various uncertainties surrounding the offense.
However, if the rookie performs better than his two competitors during training camp and preseason, it will be tough to justify not starting him in Week 1. The next several weeks are going to be extremely interesting.
Next. 5 important questions heading into training camp. dark
Do you expect Allen to begin the regular season on the bench or in the starting lineup? Pending when he plays, what kind of success are you predicting for him with the Buffalo Bills this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.