Quarterback Kyle Allen Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Texans signing former Commanders QB Kyle Allen

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/16/22

The Houston Texans will be trading star quarterback Deshaun Watson shortly into the new NFL year. It could happen Wednesday night, Thursday, or maybe even this weekend.

In other news, Houston is adding a different signal-caller to its roster.

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reports the Texans are signing former Washington Commanders quarterback Kyle Allen to a one-year contract:

Texans signing Kyle Allen to one year 2.5M deal with max value of 3M, per league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2022

The Commanders understandably did not tender Allen earlier this month after they agreed to acquire Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts in a trade that became official Wednesday afternoon:

We have finalized a trade with the @Commanders. pic.twitter.com/PMtTpU0uPE
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 16, 2022

Allen joined the Commanders via a trade from the Carolina Panthers in March 2020 and, most recently, appeared in two games during the 2021 campaign. He completed 12-of-19 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in that limited action and now won't even hit the first night of free agency on the open market.

As for the Texans, it's believed they aren't looking to immediately land a replacement for Watson such as Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns in a trade and instead want a handful of draft assets. Last month, new Houston head coach Lovie Smith said that 2021 third-round draft pick Davis Mills would be "our quarterback going into the season." Assuming that's the case, Allen is now the favorite to begin this coming September as Mills' backup.

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