The Detroit Lions are on the hunt for a new backup quarterback. Kyle Allen, a seasoned veteran at 30, is reportedly heading to the Buffalo Bills on a two-year, $4.1 million deal, reconnecting with his former coordinator Joe Brady.
Allen joined the Lions last year on a one-year contract but saw limited action, appearing in just three games with only two pass attempts. This was largely due to Jared Goff's dominance, as he played 98.5% of the team’s offensive snaps.
Allen's most significant impact came during the preseason, where he outshone Hendon Hooker. In the battle for the backup spot, Allen's performance made the Lions rethink Hooker's role.
While Hooker struggled to command the offense, Allen excelled, completing 79.5% of his passes for 401 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. His grasp of the Lions’ timing-based passing game was evident, instilling confidence in the coaching staff that he could step in if needed.
Head Coach Dan Campbell expressed his trust in Allen last August, stating his comfort with the veteran QB. However, Allen was never called into action during the regular season, thanks to Goff's impressive durability-he hasn’t missed a start since Week 17 of the 2021 season.
As the Lions look forward, they hope Goff's streak of reliability continues, but they'll need to find a new safety net with Allen moving on.