What’s Next for Keenan Allen?
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has been in the NFL for 12 years, and after a mediocre season in his first year with the Chicago Bears, his future is currently unknown. In 2024, Allen would have 744 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While he was able to find the end zone quite a bit with his new rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams, he would see a tremendous drop in receiving yards and receptions compared to previous years. He has also not played a full season since 2019. With the new coaching staff led by Ben Johnson making their way into Chicago, it was made quite clear that the Bears would be making some changes at the wide receiver position. The price to add an extension to the 32-year-old just doesn’t quite match what the Bears are willing to pay.
With Chicago having their star wide receivers in D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze looking to have a big year-two jump, Allen isn’t necessarily a team priority. While his time in Chicago may be over, a possible reunion has been discussed with Allen’s former team, the Los Angeles Chargers. After all, it’s already been stated that Allen either wants to re-sign with Chicago or head back home to LA. It’s become quite obvious to Bears fans that Odunze will be more of a priority this season, and that means keeping Allen just wouldn’t help the development of the rookie. More recently, Mike Williams, who just recently re-signed with the Chargers, having his own reunion, made his own public demand for Allen to return on Friday via Instagram. Allen would repost the Instagram story, adding more to the rumors.
The Chargers would make the playoffs in 2024 after an impressive regular season, falling in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. Many fans in LA believe the team could use more wide receiver help, and going back to a familiar face may be the solution they need. Justin Herbert has continued to impress for the Chargers, and bringing back his old weapon could lead to better playoff results. While the off-season continues, a reunion in LA may be something to keep an eye on.
