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Revised Content: Keenan Allen Traded to the Bears After 11 Seasons with Chargers
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — prior to his trade from the Chargers to the Bears, wide receiver Keenan Allen disclosed that the Los Angeles team had given him the freedom to explore his options regarding where he wanted to continue his NFL career after spending over a decade with the franchise. “There were a couple of teams that they allowed me to choose from,” Allen stated on Saturday, adding, “I only had like two teams in mind.” When questioned about potential trade suitors, Allen mentioned the New York Jets and Houston Texans as interested parties.
The Chargers faced a significant salary cap issue, exceeding it by $21 million even before the free agency period commenced at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. To resolve this, key pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack agreed to take pay cuts, while veteran wide receiver Mike Williams was released from the team’s roster. Despite restructuring his contract the previous year, Allen refused to accept a pay cut, leading to his trade to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick (No. 110).
Although Allen missed the final four games of the 2023 season due to a heel injury, he managed to set a record for receptions in a single season for the Chargers, with 108. Additionally, he led the team with 1,243 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen’s departure from the Chargers sees him ranked second in all-time receiving yards (10,530) and catches (904) for the team, while he holds the third position in touchdowns (59). With five seasons of 100 or more receptions, the wide receiver is tied for the third-most such seasons in NFL history, trailing only Antonio Brown and Brandon Marshall. Allen also holds the record for the most games with 15 receptions (three) and ranks fourth all-time in games with 10 receptions.
At 31, Allen has one year left on the four-year, $80.1 million contract extension he signed in 2020, with a $5 million roster bonus due imminently. While negotiations for a potential new deal with the Bears are ongoing, Allen expressed his desire to stay with the team long-term, stating, “Absolutely. Or we wouldn’t be here right now. Obviously, we’ll get there down the line.”
In addition to teaming up with wide receiver DJ Moore, who is also coming off a career-best season, the Bears have bolstered their offensive lineup by signing running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett in free agency. Looking ahead, the Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, offering them the opportunity to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams on April 25.
Having been a pivotal figure in Justin Herbert’s career with the Chargers, Allen is eager to have a similar impact with his new team, whether that involves working with incumbent QB Justin Fields or a rookie signal-caller. “I think I’m just a friendly guy,” Allen remarked. “I know the game inside out, and I believe I can contribute positively regardless of who is under center. I’ll be the right spots, communicate effectively, and my body language will be spot on.”
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