New Orleans Saints Make Major Commitment With Detroit Lions QB Kyle Allen Ahead of July
In a surprising and strategic move that could redefine the direction of their quarterback room, the New Orleans Saints have officially made a major commitment by acquiring Kyle Allen from the Detroit Lions, just ahead of a pivotal July training camp stretch. The deal, while not initially headline-grabbing in terms of star power, signals a bold shift in the Saints’ vision for depth, stability, and leadership at the quarterback position.
The 28-year-old Allen, who served as a backup in Detroit behind Jared Goff, will now head to New Orleans on a two-year deal reportedly worth $9.5 million, with incentives that could push it to $13 million. For a team still evaluating its quarterback landscape and future after the up-and-down tenure of Derek Carr, this move adds veteran presence and could shake up the competition behind center.
A Calculated Move by Dennis Allen
Head coach Dennis Allen has spoken repeatedly about the need for consistency and a strong locker room voice under center. With injuries, inconsistency, and failed experiments plaguing the Saints’ QB carousel in recent years, the front office views Kyle Allen as a stabilizing force — someone who can both mentor young passers and step in with confidence when needed.
“This isn’t just about depth,” Dennis Allen said at the press briefing announcing the move. “Kyle brings experience, leadership, and the kind of calm you need when games get tight. He’s been in the league long enough to know how to manage pressure, and we believe he’ll play a major role — on and off the field — for us.”
Though not expected to immediately challenge for the starting role, Kyle Allen’s arrival certainly adds a new dynamic to the Saints’ quarterback depth chart, currently featuring Derek Carr, Jake Haener, and Taysom Hill — the latter of whom remains a utility weapon more than a true QB2.
Kyle Allen’s NFL Journey
After going undrafted in 2018, Kyle Allen carved out a respectable NFL career, beginning with the Carolina Panthers, where he made 12 starts during the 2019 season following Cam Newton’s injury. He later had short stints with the Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, and most recently, the Detroit Lions.
Though he’s often been used as a stopgap or backup, Allen has shown flashes of poise and accuracy, throwing for over 4,300 career yards and 24 touchdowns in limited starts. More importantly, coaches consistently praise his work ethic, preparation, and ability to pick up offensive systems quickly — traits that made him a sought-after piece for the Saints’ reshuffled quarterback puzzle.
“I’ve been through every kind of quarterback room — chaotic, quiet, competitive, you name it,” Kyle Allen said in his first Saints interview. “What I want to bring here is calm and clarity. Whether I’m playing or helping someone else get ready, I’m here to help this team win.”
Timing Is Everything
With training camp beginning in late July and preseason preparations accelerating, the timing of this acquisition is no accident. Sources inside the Saints front office confirmed that recent workouts and internal evaluations prompted them to act swiftly.
“We didn’t want to wait,” said Saints GM Mickey Loomis. “When we saw the opportunity to get a quarterback of Kyle’s character and ability, we moved. July is all about setting the tone, and we believe Kyle can be a tone-setter.”
This move also hints at the Saints possibly being cautious with Derek Carr’s workload heading into his second season in New Orleans. Carr had an uneven 2023 campaign, throwing for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns but struggling with decision-making and chemistry under pressure. With Allen in place, the Saints can afford to give Carr rest days or even rethink contingency plans if performance doesn’t improve.
Detroit’s Perspective
For the Lions, the departure of Kyle Allen frees up a roster spot and cap room as they continue to build around Jared Goff and newly drafted quarterback Hendon Hooker, who is progressing well after injury recovery. Sources say Detroit was happy to help Allen land in a spot where he had a better opportunity to contribute.
“Kyle’s a class act,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who previously coached in New Orleans. “He deserves a shot to be in a room where he’s valued and has a role. I think the Saints are getting a real pro.”
What This Means for New Orleans
The Saints now possess a unique blend of quarterback profiles: a seasoned veteran in Carr, a utility weapon in Hill, a developing rookie in Haener, and a dependable leader in Allen. It gives Dennis Allen flexibility — not just in-game but in roster management.
Fans can expect Kyle Allen to feature prominently during preseason games, likely commanding significant reps as the Saints evaluate their offensive depth. His performance could determine whether he slots in as the direct backup or assumes a more advisory role.
There’s also speculation that his presence could push Jake Haener — a fourth-round pick in 2023 — to elevate his play or risk falling down the pecking order.
Fan and Media Reactions
Reactions in New Orleans have been mixed, with some fans viewing the move as uninspiring, while others see it as quietly strategic. Local columnist Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune described it as “a smart, under-the-radar move that could pay dividends if things go sideways with Carr.”
On social media, Saints fans offered reactions ranging from cautious optimism to renewed questions about the future at quarterback:
“He’s not flashy, but we’ve had enough drama at QB. I’ll take reliable right now.”
“If Allen helps Carr stay focused and supports Haener, it’s a win.”
“Feels like insurance — but the good kind.”
Looking Ahead
With July approaching fast and preseason looming, all eyes will be on how Kyle Allen adapts to the Saints’ system and what his presence means for the team’s offensive rhythm. If nothing else, New Orleans has added a veteran with starting experience and the demeanor to keep things grounded.
“I’m not here to be flashy,” Allen said. “I’m here to work, to lead, and to be ready for whatever this team needs.”
In a season where the Saints are trying to re-establish themselves as contenders in the NFC South, that kind of attitude — and experience — might be exactly what they need.
