The Buffalo Bills have signed Kyle Allen to serve as the backup quarterback behind Josh Allen for the 2026 season, following Mitchell Trubisky’s departure to the Tennessee Titans. Securing a reliable second-string quarterback is critical for playoff contenders aiming to maintain offensive stability if their starter is sidelined, and the Bills are turning to a familiar face to fill this role.
Kyle Allen’s Journey Back to Buffalo
Kyle Allen, who went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft—the same year the Bills selected Josh Allen—has returned to Buffalo on a two-year, $6.1 million contract. Allen initially entered the league with the Carolina Panthers and later spent time with Washington before joining the Bills in 2023 as Josh Allen’s backup. After brief stints with the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions, Allen now returns to Buffalo to resume his role as QB2.
The Bills are signing QB Kyle Allen to a two-year, $6.1 million deal, per sources,
Dianna Russini reported on X.
He spent 2023 backing up Josh Allen and now returns to Buffalo, who lost Mitchell Trubisky to Tennessee earlier today.
Career Overview and Performance Metrics
Throughout his NFL tenure, Allen has appeared in 34 games and started 19. His career stats include 442 completions from 707 attempts, accumulating 4,753 passing yards. He has thrown 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, with the majority of interceptions occurring during his single season as a starter in Carolina, where his touchdown-to-interception ratio was 17 to 16. Despite limited playing time in recent seasons, Allen brings experience and familiarity with the Bills’ system.
The Importance of a Reliable Backup Quarterback
Recent seasons emphasize the necessity of having a competent backup quarterback for teams vying for championships. The San Francisco 49ers, for example, maintained playoff eligibility after Brock Purdy’s injury due to Mac Jones’ competent play. Conversely, the Cincinnati Bengals struggled with Jake Browning in relief of an injured Joe Burrow, illustrating the risks of lacking a dependable backup. Buffalo recognizes the need to prepare for potential setbacks and is positioning itself to weather such challenges effectively.
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
