Here are three potential destinations for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Amidst a new regime inheriting the NFL's bleakest salary cap situation at -$25.18 million, the Los Angeles Chargers are fielding inquiries about several longstanding starters. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports that star wide receiver Keenan Allen is among the veterans the Chargers are considering offers for.
While Breer suggests that Allen is less likely to be traded compared to linebackers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, as well as wide receiver Mike Williams, the 31-year-old presents the potential for the Chargers to secure the best return. Allen, coming off a remarkable 2023 season where he recorded 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns, is entering the final year of his contract.
Trading Allen could yield a significant $23.1 million in savings for Los Angeles. With the opportunity to draft a promising wide receiver with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, parting ways with him might be a logical move. Here are three teams that could be potential landing spots for the six-time Pro Bowler:
Chicago Bears:
Bears' GM Ryan Poles has demonstrated an aptitude for notable trades, and while Allen may not align perfectly with Chicago's youthful roster, his addition would be compelling. With rumors swirling that the Bears intend to move on from quarterback Justin Fields and select USC's Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, Williams would benefit from another dependable weapon like Allen.
Allen's consistent performance, having amassed at least 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in five of the last seven seasons, makes him an enticing prospect for Chicago. Acquiring Allen would also afford the Bears flexibility with their No. 9 overall pick in the draft, potentially allowing them to target other positions. Even if Allen's tenure in Chicago is short-lived, the team could easily replace him in the promising 2025 free-agent wide receiver pool.
New England Patriots:
According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots have expressed interest in Los Angeles' trade candidates. While an edge rusher like Mack or Bosa would address a pressing need for New England, adding a wide receiver, particularly a veteran presence, is also on their radar.
Despite Allen's age and short-term contract, the Patriots appear keen on bolstering their receiving corps. The team is reportedly pursuing Calvin Ridley, although Ridley's preference to re-sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars complicates matters. Given New England's probable selection of a quarterback with their first-round pick in 2024, securing Allen's services could provide valuable support for the rookie amidst a less-than-ideal supporting cast.
New York Jets:
Facing a pivotal offseason, the Jets are under pressure to deliver results. General Manager Joe Douglas and Head Coach Robert Saleh are on the hot seat, needing to rectify past missteps in wide receiver acquisitions. The team's interest in trading for WR Jerry Jeudy, as reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, underscores their eagerness to enhance their offensive weaponry.
Acquiring Allen, while undoubtedly requiring a substantial investment, could prove a more fruitful option than previous pursuits. With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and a supporting cast featuring Allen, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, the Jets could finally ascend from their position among the league's lowest-scoring offenses, a ranking they've held since 2018.
| POLL | ||
13 MARS | 88 ANSWERS Here are three potential destinations for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. Should the bears sign Keenan Allen? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 67 % |
| No | 29 | 33 % |
| List of polls | ||
