CHARLOTTE – Quarterback Kyle Allen, who was set to become an exclusive rights free agent, has signed a one-year contract.

The 24-year-old started 12 games in place of injured starter Cam Newton in 2019 and went 5-7 after winning his first four starts. Allen threw for 3,322 yards with a 62 percent completion rate. He tossed 17 touchdown passes with 16 interceptions and lost seven fumbles, finishing the year with an 80.0 passer rating.

Rookie quarterback Will Grier a third-round draft choice, started the final two games of the season.

Allen appeared in two games as a rookie in 2018, winning his first career start in the season finale at New Orleans.