Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have turned heads as two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Their matchups provided suspense and entertaining moments for fans to remember.
However, former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark expressed strong confidence in Allen’s chances of reaching the Super Bowl this season, sending a pointed message to Jackson.
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Ryan Clark Sides With Josh Allen Over Lamar Jackson
During a May 27 appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” Clark said he places more trust in Allen to lead his team to the NFL’s championship game during the 2025 season than Jackson.
“I have more trust in Josh Allen,” Clark said. “He’s shown the ability to elevate his team in big moments and consistently perform at a high level.”
Allen, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Bills’ offense, guiding Buffalo to multiple playoff appearances and a trip to the AFC Championship game last season. Known for his strong arm and mobility, Allen is regarded as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
.@Realrclark25 has more trust in Josh Allen than Lamar Jackson to reach the Super Bowl this season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/c6H6e8SI4V
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 27, 2025
After showing massive improvement in 2020, the Bills took a chance on Allen, assuming the increased production would continue. In 2021, the former Wyoming quarterback signed a landmark six-year, $258 million contract extension with the Bills, which included a $16 million signing bonus.
The deal featured $150 million guaranteed for injury and $100 million fully guaranteed at signing, with the opportunity to earn up to $30 million in incentives based on production and performance. Allen became a superstar and an MVP, proving he was worth the contract.
However, the QB market has exploded recently, so Allen didn’t rank among the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL even after signing the lucrative extension. During the 2025 offseason, the Bills fixed that.
On March 9, 2025, Buffalo made Allen the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL regarding average annual value with a six-year, $330 million extension. With $250 million guaranteed, Allen’s deal set the NFL record for guarantees.
Jackson, the dynamic Ravens quarterback and 2019 NFL MVP, is also considered an elite NFL talent but has faced criticism for his team’s postseason struggles and inconsistent performances in key games.
Allen is now aging into one of the team’s veteran leaders. The franchise quarterback enters his eighth season and carries the mantle of reigning NFL MVP. Allen hopes to finally break through and get the Bills to the Super Bowl after five consecutive years of losses in the AFC Divisional Round or the AFC Championship Game.
Clark’s comments add to the ongoing debate among analysts and fans about which quarterback is better positioned to bring their team to the Super Bowl this year. The Bills and Ravens both enter the 2025 season with high expectations, and the quarterback matchup between Allen and Jackson will be a storyline to watch closely as the season unfolds.