Washington quarterback Kyle Allen will hit the open market. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders QB Kyle Allen to become free agent

The Washington Commanders felt the need to free up some space at the quarterback position after they agreed to acquire Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts via a trade many, if not most, didn't see coming before news of the transaction broke Wednesday. 

It should surprise few who the odd man out will be when the new league year opens next week. 

Per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk), Washington will not tender restricted free agent Kyle Allen, a decision that will cause the 26-year-old to hit the open market and will leave 2021 fill-in starter Taylor Heinicke as Wentz's backup until further notice. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Allen made only two appearances this past season, both of which somewhat ironically came against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 12-of-19 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown, zero interceptions, a 98.6 passer rating and 24.6 total QBR. 

Across 21 career NFL games and 17 starts, Allen has connected on 395-of-626 attempts (63.1%) for 4,318 yards with 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. 

The Athletic's Ben Standig tweeted that Washington could replace Allen with a rookie next month: 

Earlier on Thursday, it was learned the Commanders will be releasing three-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins. 

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