The Titans saw quarterback Mason Rudolph agree to return to Pittsburgh earlier Thursday, but they have not waited long to find his replacement. Brandon Allen has a one-year deal with Tennessee, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
This pact will allow Allen and Titans head coach Brian Callahan to reconnect. The pair worked together in Cincinnati when Callahan was the offensive coordinator. Allen backed up Joe Burrow for three seasons with the Bengals before spending the past two years in San Francisco.
Allen saw no playing time in 2023 while serving as the 49ers’ third-string option. However, Sam Darnold‘s departure created a QB2 vacancy, and Allen competed for it with Josh Dobbs during the offseason. Dobbs held a lead at one point, but Allen earned the gig.
As a result, the 32-year-old made three appearances and one start last year. Allen has logged only 10 starts throughout his career, but he represents an experienced backup option (especially given his ties to Callahan). He could find himself serving as the Titans’ QB2 in 2025, but that will depend on how the team approaches the starting position this offseason.
Will Levis has two more years on his rookie contract, but he was benched late last season, and his development is not going according to plan. The Titans could add a replacement by using the No. 1 pick in April’s draft on a quarterback (likely Cam Ward), but as expected, calls have come in regarding a trade. Several suitors could look to move up to the board and acquire Ward in the process, something which would lead to the Titans selecting Shedeur Sanders or one of the other passers in the 2025 class.
Regardless of how things shake out atop the depth chart, Allen will be in place as a backup option. Teams still need a quarterback addition during free agency now have one fewer option.