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Does Jaguars' defensive overhaul mean Josh Allen era is over?
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK

Does Jaguars' defensive overhaul mean Josh Allen era is over?

Change is coming to the Jaguars (9-8) following their devastating 28-20 loss to the Titans (6-11) in Week 18 that prevented them from making the playoffs. 

Jacksonville announced on Monday that defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell is being let go after two years on head coach Doug Pederson's staff. He may not be the only familiar face leaving before the start of the 2024 season either.

LB Josh Allen, Jacksonville's first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is set to receive a massive payday following his best season yet. If the Jaguars' new defensive coordinator wants to start fresh and build his own defense, Allen's time in Jacksonville could be over.

The fifth-year linebacker will be one of the NFL's top upcoming free agents after having the second most sacks (17.5) and fourth most pressures (88) in the league along with 66 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

He is expected to receive a five-year, $108.68 million contract this offseason, according to Spotrac

If Jacksonville and its new defensive coordinator are interested in keeping Allen, however, it will still take some sweet talking as it won't be the only team interested in the 26-year-old.

Allen seemed to have a sour taste in his mouth about his team after the loss.

"The only thing that I can control is the way I perform and the way I play, my mentality, my effort," Allen told reporters. "I feel like last year we had a spark ...  this year, we were looking for it too much, hoping that it was gonna come, and it never came."

Only time will tell if the two sides can reach an agreement. But if it were up to Pederson, Allen would be a Jaguar in 2024 and beyond.

"Hopefully we can get something done," Pederson said.

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