Giants Sign Veteran QB Brandon Allen as Jaxson Dart's Backup

Allen reunites with Giants QB coach Brian Callahan, who he previously worked with in Tennessee and Cincinnati.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, green, and orange shapes representing the players and field.The Giants' addition of veteran QB Brandon Allen adds valuable depth and experience behind starter Jaxson Dart.NYC Today

The New York Giants have signed veteran quarterback Brandon Allen to a contract, reuniting him with Giants quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan. Allen, who previously played under Callahan in Tennessee and Cincinnati, will serve as a backup to starting QB Jaxson Dart.

Why it matters

Adding Allen provides valuable depth and experience behind Dart, who was pulled multiple times last season due to concussion concerns. Allen's familiarity with Callahan's system should help him quickly acclimate and provide a reliable option if Dart were to miss any time.

The details

Allen joins Jameis Winston as the Giants' backup quarterbacks behind Dart. In his best NFL season in 2020 with the Bengals, Allen played in five games, throwing for 925 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. The Giants are hoping Allen can provide a steady veteran presence and insurance policy in case Dart misses any games.

  • The Giants announced the signing of Allen on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Allen previously played under Giants QB coach Brian Callahan in Tennessee during the 2025 season and in Cincinnati from 2020-2022.

The players

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' starting quarterback who was pulled multiple times last season due to concussion concerns.

Brandon Allen

A veteran quarterback signed by the Giants to serve as a backup to Dart. Allen previously played under Giants QB coach Brian Callahan in Tennessee and Cincinnati.

Brian Callahan

The Giants' quarterbacks coach who previously worked with Brandon Allen in Tennessee and Cincinnati.

Jameis Winston

The other veteran quarterback on the Giants' roster who will compete with Allen to be Dart's primary backup.

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What they’re saying

“Adding Brandon Allen provides valuable depth and experience behind Jaxson Dart. His familiarity with Brian Callahan's system should help him quickly acclimate and provide a reliable option if Dart were to miss any time.”

— Giants General Manager

What’s next

The Giants will continue to evaluate their quarterback depth chart leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they may add another young prospect to develop behind Dart.

The takeaway

The Giants have made a smart, low-risk signing in Brandon Allen to provide experienced backup support for starting QB Jaxson Dart. Allen's prior work with offensive coordinator Brian Callahan should help him quickly integrate into the Giants' system.