'Let's talk business': Jaguars' OLB Josh Allen responds to GM Trent Baalke's comments

ORLANDO, FLA.—Jacksonville Jaguars' outside linebacker Josh Allen has grown to understand that above all else, the NFL is a business.

And he says he and the Jaguars need to "talk business" in regards to his looming free agency and potential new deal.

"We need to talk," Allen said during the media portion of Friday's Pro Bowl Games practice when asked about general manager Trent Baalke's comments last week.

Baalke revealed during his end-of-year media availability he believes Allen—who's set to become a free agent this offseason—will be a Jaguar next year. He feels this way even though the two sides have not begun negotiating a new contract.

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"Throughout the years of playing you have to grow, as well," Allen added. "And what I've grown to understand is that the NFL is a business at the end of the day."

Allen is coming off his best season as a pro. He finished with 17.5 sacks, which was tied for second-best in the NFL and also made him the franchise leader for sacks in a single season.

He recorded 66 total tackles, including 17 for a loss, 33 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and an interception, continually being a bright spot on a defense that trailed off as the season wore on.

He was named to his second Pro Bowl for his efforts and was a first-team All-AFC selection by the Pro Football Writers of America.

Still, Baalke and Allen's camp reportedly haven't begun on a deal for the star pass rusher.

"Do what you do on the field because I love it and I play it and I respect it. I love my guys, I love the competitive nature, but at the end of the day, outside of that, it's business," Allen said. "If you handle it or think about it any type of way, you will get tossed out of it.

"For me, it's let's talk business."

Juston Lewis is a Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Josh Allen to Jacksonville Jaguars' front office: 'We need to talk'