Ahead of their playoff game against the Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions made a surprising move by switching their backup quarterback. Hendon Hooker had served as the backup throughout the regular season, but for the playoffs, they turned to Teddy Bridgewater—who had spent most of the year coaching high school football. That decision cast doubt on Hooker’s future as the team’s primary backup heading into 2025. Now, the Lions have made an official move that pushes him further down the depth chart—and could potentially lead to his departure from the team.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Detroit has reached an agreement with veteran quarterback Kyle Allen. This will be Allen’s sixth NFL team. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 2018, eventually starting the majority of his second season. That year, he compiled a 5-7 record, throwing for 3,322 yards and 17 touchdowns. Since then, Allen has played for the Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers, making six additional starts. Over those games, he’s posted a 1-5 record with 1,165 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
The #Lions have agreed to terms with veteran QB Kyle Allen, source says. Following a season with the #Steelers, Allen joins Detroit’s quarterback room behind Jared Goff. pic.twitter.com/iEsgranSxY
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2025
Allen now brings a veteran presence to Detroit’s quarterback room behind starter Jared Goff. Fortunately for the Lions, Goff has been remarkably durable, starting all 17 games in each of the last three seasons. Still, having a more experienced backup provides the team with added security at the position.
