Jaguars' Doug Pederson: 'We're Ecstatic' About Josh Allen's Extension

What does the Jaguars' head coach think about Josh Allen's extension?

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) points to a familiar face before a regular season / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson is more than happy about Josh Allen's record-setting five-year extension.

Now, the head coach knows his top defensive player is set to have zero distractions entering a critical year. Now, it is only about football.

"I mean, we're ecstatic. We're excited that obviously that's behind us. And he's gonna be here now for a while and I'm excited for him and his family. I'm excited for our fans," Pederson told WJXT4's Jamal St. Cyr.

"You know, and I think that's the commitment that the organization has shown to guys like Josh that and, you know that, hey, you know, we drafted him, you know, five years ago, and we still made a commitment to him today. And that's important. That's important that we retain our guys and just looking forward to working with Josh here in the near future and carrying on what he's what he's built here."

Allen, the No. 7 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is the first Jaguars' first-round pick to sign an extension with the team since Blake Bortles.

Allen broke the Jaguars' rookie sack record in 2019 with 10.5 sacks before breaking the single-season sack record with 17.5 sacks in 2023. Allen was one of the NFL's most productive pass-rushers in 2023, combining with Travon Walker for 27.5 sacks to lead all pass-rusher duos.

In five years with the Jaguars, Allen has recorded 45 sacks, 53 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

In 17 games in 2023, Allen recorded 17.5 sacks, a career-high 33 quarterback hits, a career-high 17 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Allen also finished No. 5 among all EDGE players in pressures and No. 7 in win-rate.