Ryan Poles Takes Patient Approach to Keenan Allen's Contract Extension
Title: "Ryan Poles' Patient Approach to Keenan Allen's Contract Dilemma"
In a bold move during the offseason, Ryan Poles orchestrated a major trade, bringing Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Bears for a mere fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, with Allen still under contract for one more year, the Bears face a pressing contract situation.
Poles addressed the issue on ESPN 1000, stating, "We're just gonna keep it moving through the season and see how everything plays out. There isn't a sense of urgency there right now. But we'll see kinda how everything unfolds as we get into the season. We have a good relationship with the agent and we've had some conversations I'll keep private. But both sides are in a good spot."
Despite Allen's outstanding performance last season, boasting career-high stats of 1,243 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, negotiations for a contract extension have hit a roadblock. Both the Bears and Chargers reportedly asked Allen to consider a pay cut, which he declined. The Chargers subsequently traded him to the Bears, who also broached the subject of a pay cut for an extension.
Allen, who spent 11 seasons with the Chargers, was reportedly "stunned and hurt" by the trade and their refusal to negotiate. Nevertheless, the Bears are keen on observing Allen's performance in Chicago before committing to a lucrative deal.
For Poles, the acquisition of Allen underscores the excitement of his role, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in contract structuring. "When you structure contracts the right way, when you limit dead money, when you show some patience and you try to build things the right way, when unique opportunities pop up you're able to really jump on them," Poles remarked.
As the season progresses, the Bears' handling of Allen's contract situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored, with the potential outcome carrying significant implications for both the team and player.
| POLL | ||
3 MAI | 83 ANSWERS Ryan Poles Takes Patient Approach to Keenan Allen's Contract Extension Do you think the Bears should prioritize signing Keenan Allen to a long-term contract extension? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 43.4 % |
| No | 47 | 56.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
