In a stunning turn of events that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, star defensive back Jalen Allen has officially declined a new contract offer from the Los Angeles Rams and instead accepted a more lucrative deal from the Baltimore Ravens.Sources close to the negotiations confirmed early Friday morning that the Ravens swooped in late with a significantly higher offer, reportedly including $67 million guaranteed over four years. The Rams, who had been in talks with Allen’s camp for several weeks, were believed to be offering a deal worth around $58 million with incentives—falling short of the Ravens’ aggressive pitch.
Allen, 28, has been a cornerstone of the Rams’ secondary since being acquired in 2020, known for his lockdown coverage and physical presence. His departure leaves a noticeable hole in the Rams’ defense and raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy in the wake of several recent high-profile roster changes.
“This is a business decision,” Allen said in a brief statement. “I’ll always be grateful for my time in L.A., but I’m excited for the next chapter in Baltimore.”
The Ravens, meanwhile, are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the AFC, having already strengthened their roster on both sides of the ball during the offseason. Allen is expected to make an immediate impact in Baltimore’s secondary, which struggled with consistency last season.
More details are expected to emerge as both teams prepare for the upcoming mini-camps, but one thing is certain: the Ravens just made a major move, and the rest of the league.