Bengals secure valuable insurance for Joe Burrow with Brandon Allen signing
By Kristen Wong
The Cincinnati Bengals maintain some stability in the quarterback room by re-signing Brandon Allen to serve as Joe Burrow’s backup in 2022.
So far this free agency, the Bengals made crucial moves for starting-caliber players in major positions of need, but the Brandon Allen signing poses as more of an insurance deal than anything else. Cincinnati reportedly signed him to a one-year deal, the details of which are yet to be revealed.
Allen was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2016 draft but didn’t see the field until 2019, when he started three games for the Broncos. The 29-year-old joined Cincinnati in 2020 and has admirably filled in for Joe Burrow ever since, playing 11 games total. His signing should buoy team morale as the Bengals get to keep another one of their own in free agency.
The #Bengals are re-signing QB Brandon Allen to a one-year deal, per source. Allen was Cincinnati's top choice to back up Joe Burrow and they're excited to get him back.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2022
Was always a no-brainer to remain as Burrow's backup. Not only has enjoyed some quality moments when called upon, but has a great relationship with QB1, which is essential to keeping the makeup of the room in a great place. https://t.co/2HiNZUOgqY
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) March 17, 2022
Cincinnati Bengals lock up Brandon Allen as an insurance quarterback for 2022
Brandon Allen brings his own set of skills and talents to the team, but what the Bengals value him for the most may be his budding relationship with Joe Burrow.
The Bengals’ locker room suffered a tough blow after losing tight end C.J. Uzomah, and heading into a new season the team will need unity and cohesion more than ever. In the past two years, Burrow and Allen’s camaraderie has flourished, and the two quarterbacks share strong chemistry that adds a stabilizing factor to the team.
Allen started one game last season, a Week 18 loss against the Browns when Burrow had suffered a minor knock the week prior. Even on a starting lineup consisting mostly of second and third-stringers, Allen managed to throw two touchdowns for 149 yards and no picks.
Few teams have as harmonious a quarterback room as the Bengals do, and the team is lucky to have Allen on the roster.
Next. 3 free agents still available that the Bengals could sign. dark
We bet Joe Burrow is texting Allen at this very moment and telling him, “Tag. You’re still in.”