The Detroit Lions’ backup quarterback situation just got a little more interesting after agreeing to terms with Kyle Allen in free agency.
According to a report from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions are adding veteran quarterback Kyle Allen. They have agreed to terms with the 29-year-old passer, but none of those details are out yet.
Allen went undrafted in 2018, and has since bounced around five different franchises. He spent two years, with the Carolina Panthers , two with the Washington Commanders , and has spent the past three years with the Texans , Bills, and Steelers . Last year in Pittsburgh, he served as the third string quarterback behind Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Throughout it all, Allen has made a total of 31 game appearances and 19 starts, although the last time he started was back in 2022 with the Texans. For his career, he has completed 442-of-705 passes (62.7%) for 4,753 yards (6.7 Y/A), 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions for a career passer rating of 82.3. His overall record in his 19 starts is 7-12-0.
His addition is certainly interesting and noteworthy. Beyond Jared Goff, the Lions have two backup quarterbacks: 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker and Jake Fromm. Allen brings something that the other two quarterbacks do not have: experience. Fromm has made just three game appearances (two starts), and they were all back in 2021. Hooker has yet to start a game, though he appeared in three games last season. It’s always good to have a veteran in the quarterback room to help the starter see the game with a seasoned set of eyes. Detroit has valued that in the past with players like David Blough, Nate Sudfeld, and Teddy Bridgewater.
Yet it’s fair to start wondering what this means for Hooker. While he missed most of his rookie season due to injury, he looked rusty during 2024 training camp. It’s possible Allen will help push his development along, or perhaps he will truly be in contention for the backup job. Either way, the Lions’ quarterback situation just got a little more interesting.