Bills pick up 5th-year option for Allen, Edmunds

The Buffalo Bills will look to reward Josh Allen with a big-money extension this offseason. But in the meantime, the team secured the quarterback's future by picking up his rookie option Monday.

The Bills exercised the fifth-year option in the deals of Allen and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the team announced. The AFC East club took Allen at No. 7 overall and Edmunds at No. 16 in the 2018 NFL Draft.

After an inconsistent first two seasons in the NFL, Allen solidified his status as Buffalo's franchise quarterback in 2020. He finished second to Aaron Rodgers in MVP voting while setting career highs in yards (4,544), touchdown passes (37), completion percentage (69.2), and passer rating (107.2).

Bills general manager Brandon Beane said in March he's aiming to complete Allen's contract either this offseason or in 2022. He stressed the team will "try and find that deal that works for him and works for us."

Allen will likely command an extension between Patrick Mahomes' league-leading $45-million per year deal and Dak Prescott's second-placed $40-million per year contract.

Edmunds has also proven to be a good building block for Buffalo. The 23-year-old has made the Pro Bowl in the last two seasons while racking up 234 total tackles.