Lions Seek New Backup QB as Kyle Allen Heads to Bills

Allen reportedly agrees to 2-year, $4.1M deal with Buffalo

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Detroit Lions are in need of a new backup quarterback after Kyle Allen, who served as Jared Goff's top reserve in 2025, has reportedly agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills on a two-year, $4.1 million contract.

Why it matters

The Lions will need to find a capable backup QB to support starter Jared Goff, as Allen was seen as a solid No. 2 option who impressed in the preseason. Losing Allen leaves a hole on the Detroit roster that will need to be addressed before the start of the new league year.

The details

Allen signed a one-year deal worth just under $1.3 million with the Lions last offseason and beat out Hendon Hooker for the backup QB job. While he did not see much playing time during the regular season, Allen had a strong preseason, completing 79.5% of his passes for 401 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions over 4 appearances. He had a perfect 158.3 passer rating in exhibition games against the Falcons and Texans.

  • The reported deal between Allen and the Bills cannot be made official until the new league year starts at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.
  • Allen served as the Lions' backup QB in the 2025 season.

The players

Kyle Allen

A quarterback who served as the top backup to Jared Goff for the Detroit Lions in 2025 before reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $4.1 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Hendon Hooker

A quarterback who competed with Kyle Allen for the backup job in Detroit in 2025 but lost out to Allen.

C.J. Beathard

A quarterback who finished the 2025 season on the Lions' practice squad but was not signed to a futures deal, making him a free agent.

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What’s next

The Lions will need to find a new backup quarterback to support Jared Goff before the start of the 2026 season, with C.J. Beathard as the only other QB currently on the roster.

The takeaway

Losing Kyle Allen leaves a hole at the backup QB position for the Lions, who will need to address this need in free agency or the draft in order to provide adequate support for starter Jared Goff. The team's search for a new No. 2 QB will be a key storyline to watch as the new league year approaches.