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. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers' Pascal Siakam leads team to Game 6 win vs. Knicks
Watch: Matt Duchene's 2OT winner sends Stars to conference final
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Report: Tua Tagovailoa away from Dolphins amid contract chatter
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady

Want more Commanders news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.