Nov 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears could be big winners in Keenan Allen trade with Los Angeles Chargers
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles wanted to make sure he put his prized asset, Caleb Williams, in the best possible position to succeed. He overhauled the offense and turned it into possibly one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL.
The biggest and most surprising move Poles made this offseason was trading for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. Allen is one of the top receivers in the league. He and DJ Moore would make one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.
With the new-look offense, the Bears look to be contenders for the NFC North division title. They may even be able to win a playoff game. That is something for later, however.
While the trade for Keenan Allen was thought to be a short-term help, his time with the Chicago Bears could last longer and be a great win.
Allen could be key to helping with Williams’ development. He is one of the league’s best route-runners. Additionally, he is one of the hardest working players. He is relentless with his work ethic. He will help Williams learn where to place the ball to help receivers catch it cleanly and make a big play.
The one thing with Allen, though, is how long he could be a Bear. The reason he was available in a trade was because he was in the final year of his contract. The Los Angeles Chargers were in salary cap hell so they needed to free up some space. They asked Allen to take a pay cut but he refused, and the Chargers traded him.
Additionally, Allen is 32 years old. He has more seasons behind him than in front of him. While he had a Pro Bowl season in 2023, how much longer can he continue?
The prevailing thought is that Allen could help Williams this season and then run off into the sunset. The price for wide receivers has skyrocketed. Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson reset the market after he just signed a four-year, $140 million deal.
As mentioned earlier, the Chicago Bears also have Moore. He is due a new contract himself. He is just 27 years old so he is still in his prime. After Jefferson’s new contract, it will cost a pretty penny for Chicago to re-sign him. Would they also want to spend money on Allen?
If Allen could prove he still has it there could be a chance he remains. With Moore and Rome Odunze, a rookie who has the ability to be a WR1 right away, Allen could be a perfect WR3. Even if he does lose a step, precision route-running is his bread and butter, not speed.
