The Buffalo Bills have secured their backup quarterback position by signing Kyle Allen to a two-year contract worth up to $6.1 million, shortly after parting ways with their previous QB2. Allen, who spent the 2023 season with the Bills without attempting a pass, re-enters the team’s quarterback room, joining starter Josh Allen. Their close friendship has been a notable factor in Buffalo’s quarterback decisions in recent years.
An Overview of Kyle Allen’s NFL Career
Kyle Allen’s eight-year NFL career includes stints with six different teams, such as the Bills, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Detroit Lions. As a starting quarterback, he holds a 7-12 record, with his last starting appearances occurring in 2022 for the Texans, where he went 0-2. That season, Allen completed 59% of his passes, throwing for 416 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.
Throughout his career, Allen has completed 62.5% of his passes, passing for 4,753 yards with 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His most productive year was 2019, as the Panthers’ starter, where he played 12 games with a 5-7 record, completing 62% of his throws for 3,322 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Last year with the Lions, Allen had minimal playing time, unsuccessfully attempting two passes.
Current Buffalo Bills Quarterback Lineup
Upon signing Allen, the Bills’ quarterback room now consists of veteran Josh Allen, backup Kyle Allen, and third-string Shane Buechele. This move follows the departure of Mitch Trubisky, who signed with the Tennessee Titans after serving as Buffalo’s backup for the past two seasons and spending three years with the team overall.
Additional Buffalo Bills Roster Changes
Alongside the quarterback change, the Bills experienced other roster movements with losses including guard David Edwards and fullback Reggie Gilliam, who joined the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, respectively. Buffalo also released veteran cornerback Dane Jackson and former starting safety Taylor Rapp.
Taylor Rapp’s release came after he failed a physical exam, as reported by The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. Rapp was a starter alongside Cole Bishop before a knee injury placed him on Injured Reserve midway through last season. Meanwhile, Buffalo signed cornerback Dee Alford, who is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s secondary in the upcoming 2026 season.
The Bills are signing QB Kyle Allen to a two-year, $6.1 million deal, per sources. He spent 2023 backing up Josh Allen and now returns to Buffalo, who lost Mitchell Trubisky to Tennessee earlier today. pic.twitter.com/xFrn8rZNvs
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2026
