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ESPN ranks Josh Allen #1; Jones signs $88M contract

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN released the 2026 NFL quarterback rankings, naming Josh Allen No. 1.
The rankings used votes from 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts and Matt Bowen’s analysis.
Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts received receiving votes and signed a two-year, $88 million contract.
Brock Purdy of the 49ers earned an honorable mention after a 2025 season with 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 13-4 record and an 85.4 PFF grade.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 the Indianapolis Colts, led by owner Jim Irsay and agent Drew Rosenhaus, gave quarterback Peyton Manning a six-year, $96 million extension—the league’s biggest contract at that point. The deal built on Manning’s 1998 first-overall selection and his Super Bowl XLI win that had turned the Colts into a playoff team. That contract set a salary benchmark, a pattern echoed in today’s multimillion quarterback deals.

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Story summary

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN released the 2026 NFL quarterback rankings, naming Josh Allen No. 1.
The rankings used votes from 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts and Matt Bowen’s analysis.
Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts received receiving votes and signed a two-year, $88 million contract.
Brock Purdy of the 49ers earned an honorable mention after a 2025 season with 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 13-4 record and an 85.4 PFF grade.

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