Former Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen is headed to Michigan to join the Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell for the 2025 season.

Former Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen Joins Detroit Lions for 2025 Season: A New Chapter in His NFL Journey

The 2025 NFL offseason has already seen its share of surprising moves, but one of the most intriguing developments involves former Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen. The former Aggie signal-caller is set to join the Detroit Lions for the upcoming season, under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. After a career filled with both highs and lows, Allen’s move to the Lions represents an exciting new chapter in his football journey.

With a fresh opportunity on the horizon, there’s plenty to unpack about Kyle Allen’s past, his growth as a quarterback, and the potential impact he can have on the Detroit Lions’ offense as they continue their quest for a playoff berth and beyond.

A Look Back at Kyle Allen’s College Career at Texas A&M

Kyle Allen’s rise to prominence began in high school in Arizona, where he was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. A five-star recruit, Allen’s impressive arm strength, poise in the pocket, and leadership ability made him one of the most coveted signal-callers in his class. After committing to Texas A&M, Allen arrived in College Station with high expectations.

During his freshman year at Texas A&M in 2014, Allen took over as the starting quarterback midway through the season after an injury to starter Kenny Hill. Despite the pressure of taking over a high-profile program, Allen performed admirably. Over the course of the season, he showed flashes of his considerable talent, completing 64.9% of his passes for 1,322 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. While the Aggies’ season didn’t end on the highest of notes, Allen’s performances as a freshman were promising, offering hope for the future of the program.

In 2015, Allen’s expectations were even higher. However, his sophomore year didn’t unfold as smoothly as many had hoped. Despite having all the tools to be an elite quarterback, Allen’s play was inconsistent. He often struggled with accuracy and decision-making, which led to a midseason benching in favor of true freshman Kyler Murray. After a few starts, Allen transferred from Texas A&M to the University of Houston, where he would continue his college career and improve his game. Though his time in College Station was marked with some growing pains, Allen’s tenure at A&M helped set the stage for his eventual development as a professional quarterback.

The Transition to the NFL: Kyle Allen’s Professional Journey

After leaving Texas A&M, Kyle Allen’s journey to the NFL was an interesting one. He went undrafted in 2018, but it didn’t take long for him to find a home. The Carolina Panthers took a chance on Allen, signing him as a free agent. His NFL career began on a positive note, as he saw meaningful playing time during his rookie season when starting quarterback Cam Newton was sidelined due to injury. Allen’s debut season in Carolina was a mixed bag; while his raw talent was evident, he struggled with some of the nuances of the game, particularly when it came to managing games and making quick decisions under pressure.

In 2019, Allen’s role with the Panthers increased as he became the team’s starting quarterback for several games. He showcased his arm strength and ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level. However, like many young quarterbacks, he faced challenges. Allen’s decision-making remained inconsistent, and he ultimately lost the starting job to Teddy Bridgewater. Despite this setback, Allen’s performance in spurts showed that he had the potential to be a solid backup quarterback and a player who could grow into a more significant role in the right system.

Allen’s tenure with the Panthers ended after the 2020 season when he was traded to the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders). In Washington, Allen once again showed moments of promise, though he was never able to fully seize the starting role. He played primarily as a backup, providing depth behind the team’s starting quarterbacks, but his inability to take control of the starting job left him in a backup role for the majority of his time with Washington.

Now, in 2025, Kyle Allen finds himself joining the Detroit Lions under head coach Dan Campbell. After several years of bouncing between teams, Allen is given a new lease on life with the Lions, a franchise that has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, particularly on offense.

Why the Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions have made strides in recent years, particularly under head coach Dan Campbell. The team’s culture has shifted toward a hard-nosed, physical style of football, and their offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has become more dynamic. Goff has proven himself to be a capable starter, but the Lions’ front office has made it clear that they are looking to strengthen the depth at the quarterback position.

Kyle Allen’s arrival in Detroit could be seen as part of this strategy to bolster the quarterback room, providing insurance behind Goff. While Allen has not yet proven himself as a long-term starter in the NFL, his experience as a backup quarterback in both Carolina and Washington provides him with invaluable experience that could help him thrive in a more supportive role. Allen is expected to compete for the backup quarterback job in 2025, with the possibility of stepping into a starting role if Goff were to go down with an injury.

What makes Allen an intriguing option for Detroit is his potential to excel in a system that plays to his strengths. Under Dan Campbell’s leadership, the Lions have prioritized a balanced offensive attack, combining a strong running game with an efficient passing attack. The Lions’ offensive scheme could be a perfect fit for Allen’s skill set, particularly his ability to make deep throws and his mobility in the pocket. With an offensive line that has shown improvement and weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, Allen could thrive in Detroit’s offense if given the opportunity.

What Kyle Allen Brings to the Lions

As the 2025 season begins, Kyle Allen is expected to bring several qualities to the Detroit Lions that could prove valuable for the team. These include his experience, arm talent, and ability to step in during key moments.

1. Experience and Maturity

While Allen has not been able to lock down a starting role in the NFL, his years of experience with multiple teams have provided him with a wealth of knowledge. He’s learned from some of the best quarterbacks in the game, including Cam Newton and Teddy Bridgewater, and has been able to absorb valuable lessons about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. His understanding of NFL defenses and his ability to process information quickly could make him an ideal backup quarterback—one who can step in and manage the offense without missing a beat.

2. Arm Talent and Mobility

One of Allen’s biggest strengths has always been his arm talent. He possesses the ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level, whether that’s a deep ball down the sideline, a laser over the middle, or a touch pass on an out route. His arm strength, combined with his mobility in the pocket, allows him to make plays outside of the traditional offense and improvise when necessary. With the right system and a solid supporting cast, Allen could be a quarterback who can fill in effectively in case of injury or provide solid contributions in a relief role.

3. A Calm, Cool, and Collected Presence

One of the areas in which Allen has developed over his years in the NFL is his ability to remain calm under pressure. While he’s experienced his fair share of ups and downs, Allen has maintained his poise in difficult situations. In Detroit, that demeanor could serve him well in late-game situations or in moments where the team needs to depend on him to manage the clock or make key decisions.

4. A Chance for Redemption

For Allen, the move to Detroit represents a second chance to show what he can do at the NFL level. Having bounced around as a backup quarterback for several years, he has yet to find a permanent home, but the Lions’ situation provides him with the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role. Whether as a mentor to younger quarterbacks or as a potential starter in the future, Allen’s time in Detroit could be the chance he needs to prove himself and build a more consistent NFL career.

The Lions’ Outlook with Allen on the Roster

With Jared Goff firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, the team’s offense is in good hands for the time being. However, injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL, and having a capable backup quarterback is essential to any team’s long-term success. Allen brings depth to the position, providing a reliable option if needed.

Furthermore, the Lions’ commitment to building a strong roster means they will continue to focus on strengthening key areas, including backup quarterback. If Allen performs well in training camp and in preseason games, he could earn the backup role, where he would provide a valuable safety net for the team.

Allen’s role in Detroit’s future is still to be determined, but the opportunity to prove himself in a system that fits his skill set could allow him to reignite his career.