Josh Allen shrugs off top-paid contract buzz as the star QB enters a new chapter of life with Hailee Steinfeld

When Josh Allen signed his blockbuster extension in March 2025, the debate centered on one question: Why didn’t he top Dak Prescott’s $60 million per year mark? Nearly a year later, as Allen prepares to welcome his first child with Hailee Steinfeld, those remarks about money and priorities are resurfacing with fresh meaning.At the time, it looked like a team-first move. Now, with fatherhood around the corner, it feels like something more personal.

Why did Josh Allen not chase Dak Prescott’s $60M per year?

Back on March 13, 2025, Josh Allen agreed to a six-year, $330 million extension with the Buffalo Bills. The contract included a $250 million guarantee, the highest in NFL history, surpassing

Deshaun Watson

’s $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. However, Allen’s average annual value settled at $55 million, leaving him behind Prescott’s league-leading $60 million per year with the Dallas Cowboys.

Fresh off his 2024 MVP season and another AFC Championship Game appearance, Allen had every bit of leverage needed to demand more. Instead, he chose not to squeeze the market.In a March 2025 interview with NFL.com, Allen addressed the difference directly.“I wasn't looking to absolutely kill them at every chance I could,” Allen said. “If it has any impact on the cap, let's figure out a way to not do that.”He then explained why the extra $5 million annually did not matter to him.

“What is $5 million more going to do for my life that I can't already do right now? I live a pretty good life.”

The structure allowed Buffalo more cap flexibility while still giving Allen historic financial security through guarantees. It was a calculated decision, but it also reflected perspective.

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld are entering a new phase, as the couple is going to welcome their first child

In December 2025, Allen and Hailee Steinfeld announced they were expecting their first child. Steinfeld later shared pregnancy updates through her Beau Society newsletter, revealing how the couple has kept things quiet and close to home as the due date approaches.In January 2026, after offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s introductory press conference, Allen spoke about the transition ahead. “This is the most important thing I’ll ever be in my life, being a dad,” Allen told reporters. “I love being a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. But I’m looking forward to this one.”The contract decision once symbolised leadership and roster awareness. As Allen steps into fatherhood with Hailee Steinfeld, it also highlights clarity about what truly matters. He secured generational wealth, kept Buffalo competitive and now prepares for a role that stands above any salary figure.