Washington Football Team QB Kyle Allen expresses optimism for 2021

It’s anyone’s guess what the Washington Football Team’s quarterback situation will look like in 2021. But the health of one solid backup option may factor into the equation.

The Washington Football Team was known for its defense in 2020. That defense helped bolster a team hamstrung by inconsistent quarterback play, and helped buoy an afterthought to the divisional round in the playoffs. Of course, one can’t help but wonder if Washington had cut things so close, had they still had Kyle Allen as their quarterback.

That’s not to say Allen is, or was, the answer at the position. He was, however, more than respectable when he saw the field for the burgundy and gold in 2020. Playing in two full games and two half games, the former Carolina Panther  completed 60 of 89 pass attempts for 610 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception, logging a quarterback rating of 99.3.

After Dwayne Haskins was benched early in the year, it seemed like Allen would ride out the rest of the season as the Washington Football Team’s quarterback. Allen brought the off-script ability and general executional consistency that Haskins lacked, and the offense noticeably improved under his watch. But Allen himself wouldn’t be able to stay on the field. In Week 9, against the New York Giants, Allen suffered a broken ankle, ending his season prematurely.

With the resilience of Alex Smith and little-known Old Dominion product Taylor Heinicke, the Washington Football Team was able to not only make the playoffs, but put up a fight against the eventual NFC Champions. Of course, that result doesn’t answer all their questions. They still need to figure out what’s best for the team at QB, long-term. Allen is still in that equation as a high-floor backup, and he may be available soon.

In an NBC Sports article by Julius Long, Allen is quoted giving an update on his injury status. Among other things, Allen — in an Instagram live post — said he’ll be ready for training camp in 2020. Allen elaborated, and explained that he’s 12 weeks along in a 20-week post-surgery recovery process. That means that, theoretically, in two months, Allen should be close to one-hundred percent.

Allen’s steady presence would be valuable with the coming turmoil in the Washington Football Team’s quarterback room, but Washington has to do a little work before they can count on him being there. Allen is currently on an expiring contract, listed as an exclusive rights free agent. The good news is, as an ERFA, all Washington has to do to retain his services is offer a one-year, league-minimum contract. At that point, Smith can’t negotiate with other teams because of his status.

A cheap long-term deal might be on the table for Allen, who’s just 24 years old and offers long-term security as a No. 2 signal caller. However, Washington can table that for the time being if they’d rather have that discussion in 2022. For now, they can take comfort in the fact that Allen, beyond his contract security, is healing, and may soon be available in his full capacity on the football field.