Josh Allen Contract Extension Sets the Bar for Baker Mayfield & the Browns

The Buffalo Bills made a significant announcement on Monday as they agreed to terms with QB Josh Allen on a six-year, $258 million contract extension (with a whopping $150 million being guaranteed). While the deal is important because it keeps Allen with the Bills until at least 2027, it's also significant because it sets a precedent around the league — including for Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns. If they haven't already continued working on an extension, they should be soon.

Baker Mayfield Browns Rumors

Mayfield is currently signed with the Browns until the end of the 2022 NFL season, however, he's due for a significant raise compared to the $29.4 million he'll earn over the next two years. That's why Mayfield may use Allen's extension as an example as to what he thinks that he's worth.

For starters, there are several similarities between the two quarterbacks that people can make. Both men were drafted within the first 10 picks of the 2018 NFL Draft and are only one year apart in age. Another parallel is the fact that both the Bills and Browns haven't had a lot of success in the past two decades, however, Allen and Mayfield, respectively, have helped turn their teams around in recent years. Buffalo made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game last year while Cleveland's season ended in the Divisional Round.

Where things may fall apart is when it comes to individual stats. Allen finished the 2020 campaign with 4,544 passing yards for 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. That's not even considering his play on the ground, which saw him rush for 421 yards and 8 TDs. For comparison, Mayfield recorded 3,563 passing yards for 26 TDs to 8 INTs and wasn't nearly as effective on the ground (165 rushing yards, one touchdown) as his Buffalo counterpart.

Even if Mayfield isn't exactly on par with Allen, that doesn't change the fact that he's one of the better young quarterbacks around. Even if he'd likely need a career year to earn a $258 million contract, he can still get pretty close if he continues playing as he has — if not better.

The Browns currently have +1600 odds (8th) to win Super Bowl 56, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the Bills are sitting tied for third with the Green Bay Packers at +1200 odds.

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