Detroit Lions Lose Veteran Backup QB to Bills in Free Agency

Kyle Allen signs two-year deal with Buffalo after serving as Detroit's QB2 in 2025.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:50am

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The Detroit Lions will need to find a new backup quarterback for the 2026 NFL season after veteran signal-caller Kyle Allen agreed to a two-year, $4.1 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Allen, who turns 30 this year, spent the 2025 season with the Lions competing for the QB2 role behind starter Jared Goff.

Why it matters

Losing an experienced backup like Allen leaves a clear hole on the Lions' depth chart heading into next season. Detroit carried only two quarterbacks in 2025, so GM Brad Holmes will need to address the position either through free agency, the draft, or both to provide adequate insurance behind Goff.

The details

Allen joined the Lions ahead of the 2025 campaign and competed with former third-round pick Hendon Hooker for the backup job. After a strong preseason, Detroit opted to keep the veteran and move on from Hooker. Across his 6-year NFL career, Allen has appeared in 34 games with 19 starts, throwing for 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.

  • Kyle Allen agreed to a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on March 9, 2026.
  • Allen spent the 2025 NFL season as the backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

The players

Kyle Allen

A 30-year-old veteran quarterback who has spent time with multiple NFL teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Hendon Hooker

A former third-round pick who competed with Kyle Allen for the backup QB role in Detroit in 2025.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions.

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What’s next

The Lions will now need to determine how to rebuild their quarterback room heading into the 2026 season, either by bringing in another veteran free agent or addressing the position in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Losing an experienced backup like Kyle Allen leaves the Lions with a clear need at the quarterback position behind starter Jared Goff. Detroit's front office will need to act quickly to shore up the depth chart and provide adequate insurance in case of injury or poor performance from their starting QB.