The Carolina Panthers signed free agent quarterback Kyle Allen to a one-year extension contract worth $585,000. This contract carries him through the 2021 season.
Kyle Allen Signs With Carolina Panthers
In 2019, Allen’s first and only year in the NFL, he played for the Panthers. The undrafted quarterback started 12 games for Carolina after starter Cam Newton was sidelined with an injury. The Panthers signed Allen to their practice squad in September of 2018. They brought him up to the active roster in December 2018.
Allen went 5-7 in this starts, with 3,322 passing yards and a 62 percent completion rate. With 17 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions, and seven lost fumbles the young quarterback wrapped up his first season with an 80.0 passer rating.
Before the deal, Allen was set to become an exclusive rights free agent (EFA). The extension comes after third-string rookie Will Grier ousted Allen as the starter for the final two games of the Panthers 2020 season.
What This Means for the Future
The Panthers had a tumultuous 2020. Problems hit the franchise in the form of Cam Newton’s injury, their worst finishing record since 2014, and then the firing of head coach Ron Rivera. There have also been questions regarding Newton’s future with the franchise.
Eyes are on 2020 NFL Draft prospect Justin Herbert, who the Panthers could possibly select.
All rumors aside, the team would benefit most from acquiring some young talent in the wide receiver and running back positions. Christian McCaffrey proved himself to be a huge weapon for the Panthers offense but there’s no denying he needs some back up.
Right now, Newton is slated to take back his starting position in the fall, but the franchise’s choice to extend Allen’s contract with Grier also on the roster could signal the beginning of the end for Newton’s days in Carolina.
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