The Cincinnati Bengals signed backup quarterback Brandon Allen to a one-year, $825,000 deal in NFL Free Agency.
While the Bengals had a rocky 2020 season. Especially with the loss of rookie phenom Joe Burrow, things are still looking up in Cincinnati. Going 4-11-1 may look bad on paper, but those four wins came against three playoff-ready teams. This is where back quarterback Brandon Allen slowly but surely stepped up and proved his worth for the Bengals
Bengals Re-Sign Brandon Allen to 1-Year Contract
The University of Arkansas alum was drafted in 2016 by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round. He bounced around the league until he made his first start in 2019 with the Broncos. Only playing three games with Denver, Allen struggled with the offense, completing 39-84 for 515 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bengals signed Allen to a one-year contract in 2020 as a backup to Burrow. He was given the opportunity to mentor the young quarterback through his first 11 games. Allen’s first game was against the New York Giants, where he struggled with his unexpected starting role, throwing for 136 yards on 58% completion and a 67.6 QBR. His second game did not go any better, throwing for 153 yards with only 11 completions.
Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys is when Allen began to figure out his offense. He threw for 217 yards on 27-of-36 completions with a touchdown to A.J. Green in the second quarter. Allen finished the game with a 99 QBR and completed 75% of his passes.
After missing a game against the Steelers due to a knee injury, Allen was able to show his true potential in Week 16 against the Texans. Allen threw for 371 yards, finding Higgins for 99 yards on only six catches. He was able to pick apart the Texans defense and outscore star Deshaun Watson on nearly every measure. Allen finished the game with a 126 QBR while never recording an interception or sack with 29 completions.
Allen finished the season with no doubts as the backup quarterback in the coming 2021 season, signing a one-year contract worth $825,000.
With Burrow still questionable to begin the season for Cincinnati, Allen will receive the starting position when and if he is needed. Allen may face opponents like the Ravens or Bears.
