Lions in the market for a new backup QB with Kyle Allen reuniting with former OC in Buffalo
Allen Park — Kyle Allen played 16 snaps, attempted two passes and didn’t complete either in his lone season as the Detroit Lions backup quarterback. Still, the veteran’s experience and stellar preseason performance offered quiet comfort had he been pressed into more playing time.
It felt like a no-brainer for the Lions to bring back Allen to continue in the role. Instead, they’ll be in the market for a new backup after he reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills worth more than $4 million, with incentives that could elevate his earnings to north of $6 million.
It’s a return to Buffalo for Allen, who spent the 2023 season with the franchise. He played under offensive coordinator Joe Brady that year, who was promoted to head coach this offseason.
Allen, 30, will be entering his ninth season. He’s appeared in 34 games during his career, including 19 starts. However, he hasn’t been called upon to start a contest since 2022.
With the Lions, he decisively unseated Hendon Hooker for the backup job with a stellar training camp and preseason. In four games, Allen completed 35-of-44 for 401 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions, adding up to a 123.6 passer rating.
A meager contract at that. Maybe that means they are investing in one in the draft or have higher aspirations for the position? I assume they are holding their cards on restructurings until the second wave of free agents. Like the NHL, harder and harder to find good ones with the salary cap escalating as it has been.
Be thankful we have a good starting QB. I vote for Tyrod Taylor.