Before joining the Buffalo Bills, defensive tackle Deone Walker openly questioned the fairness of Josh Allen’s MVP win last season. At the NFL draft combine, Walker expressed the view that Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, deserved the MVP award instead of Allen. This comment reignited the ongoing Josh Allen MVP controversy with Bills rookie Walker’s candid stance sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.

Walker’s remarks came before he officially became a Bills player, when he was still an NFL hopeful attending the combine. When asked who he believed should have won MVP, Walker responded without hesitation, “Lamar. He got robbed.” This straightforward comment highlighted his belief that Jackson’s performance warranted the top individual honor more than Allen’s.

Supporting Views and Reactions from Fans and Experts

Walker’s assertion stirred mixed reactions among Buffalo Bills supporters, with some defending Allen’s narrow MVP victory and others intrigued enough to wait for Walker’s opinion to evolve now that he is on the team. Former NFL coach Jay Gruden weighed in on social media, stating,

“He will change his take when he meets Josh,”

suggesting that personal interaction might shift Walker’s perspective.

Despite the rivalry implied by Walker’s statement, the relationship between Allen and Jackson remains mutually respectful. After the Bills eliminated the Ravens from the playoffs in a tense divisional round, Jackson publicly encouraged Allen to achieve even greater success, telling him,

“Great players recognize greatness, and we both recognize each other, but I told him, ‘Man, go get something.’”

Jackson added,

“Go win something. MVP or Super Bowl. Do something. I want him to be successful.”

Although Allen and Buffalo were eliminated the following week by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship, Josh Allen eventually secured the MVP award weeks later, further fueling discussions surrounding the close race with Jackson.

Expectations for Deone Walker’s Impact on the Bills

Besides his commentary on the MVP race, Walker is anticipated to play a crucial role in the Bills’ defense next season. Seen as a major value pick in the NFL Draft, the 6-foot-7 defensive tackle was once projected as a first-round choice before injuries hampered his final collegiate year at Kentucky.

Greg Cosell, a producer for NFL Films, praised Walker’s combination of size and athleticism, noting on the show One Bills Live,

“Last summer, when people did their so-called mock drafts … he was viewed as a Top 10 guy,”

and added,

“I couldn’t agree more. I mean, he had a rare combination of size and athleticism, imposing length.”

The Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane also commented on Walker’s recent performance fluctuations. Beane acknowledged that a back injury affected Walker’s consistency during the 2024 college season but emphasized the player’s prior potential. He explained,

“We start that process in May, and I had a very, my own grade, I had a very good grade on him before he ever played a game this year, based off of his 2023 film. His 2024 film was more, was a little inconsistent.”

Beane continued,

“The more research you do, you find out he’s dealing with a back situation, and so that’s where you just go, alright, if we can get this guy back to 2023, he wouldn’t be here right now.”

This highlights the franchise’s optimism about Walker’s ability to return to peak form and contribute significantly.

Implications of the MVP Debate and Walker’s Arrival in Buffalo

The controversy stirred by Walker’s comments underscores the ongoing discussion about the 2023 MVP race between Allen and Jackson, reflecting how closely matched their performances were last season. As Walker integrates into the Bills’ roster, his initial skepticism about Allen’s award may soften, especially given the team’s supportive environment and Allen’s leadership.

Walker’s addition to Buffalo’s defensive lineup is expected to bolster their depth and athleticism, which could help the Bills make another strong playoff push. Meanwhile, the respectful dynamic between Allen and Jackson hints at a healthy rivalry that can elevate both players’ performances and keep fans engaged in upcoming NFL campaigns.