After spending one season with the Chicago Bears, impending free agent Keenan Allen could join a new organization in 2025. A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the California product is one of the greatest players in the history of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. However, first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh traded the wide receiver and his massive cap hit to the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 season. Fresh off a 1,200-yard campaign, analysts across the league believed he and D.J. Moore could guide rookie Caleb Williams to greatness.
That didn’t quite happen. While Allen wasn’t an active liability by any stretch of the imagination, he finished the season with a relatively disappointing 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. He’s still a good player, but ESPN’s Courtney Cronin suggests the Bears will let Keenan Allen become a free agent. While the report seemed to say Allen could return to Chicago, he’ll have the opportunity to see what’s out there. Even though he’s on the older side, these five teams should be interested in him.
5 Teams That Could Sign Free Agent Keenan Allen
Los Angeles Chargers
Far and away the most obvious fit on this list, Keenan Allen and the Chargers should both be interested in a free agent reunion. With Allen gone, Los Angeles entrusted their passing attack to second-round rookie Ladd McConkey and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. While McConkey exceeded expectations, Johnston couldn’t establish himself as a consistent part of the offense. Even if he improves in Year 3, this team could still use a veteran receiver, and Allen obviously has the trust of quarterback Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Rams
Allen previously said he wants to play with either the Bears, Chargers, or Rams in 2025, so Los Angeles makes perfect sense as the second team on this list. With a Cooper Kupp trade imminent, Sean McVay’s squad must find another adequate receiver to start opposite Puka Nacua. Nacua is one of the league’s premier young talents, but he can’t do it all on his own. Allen is better off as a WR2 at this point in his career, and adding him as a complementary weapon should only bring out the best in aging quarterback Matthew Stafford.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but they’re still a long way away from competing. This could easily be the worst roster in football, as just about every position outside of quarterback could use an upgrade. Keenan Allen isn’t the player he once was, but the free agent would easily be the best receiver on the Patriots. Maye needs someone to throw to, and Allen’s experience could be a welcome addition to a young, untested roster.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens tried to upgrade the wide receiver position with the Diontae Johnson trade last year. Unfortunately, that plan backfired, as Johnson caught just one pass before his unceremonious release. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are an adequate starting duo, but this team clearly wants another set of hands. If Keenan Allen could accept a reduced role, the free agent could give Baltimore some much-needed depth at one of the game’s most important positions.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been desperately trying to upgrade their wide receiver room for the better part of a year. After striking out in the Brandon Aiyuk trade sweepstakes, the team had to settle for Mike Williams. While Williams had his moments with the team, Pittsburgh should target the other former Charger in free agency. Allen is the superior player and could be a perfect support for whichever quarterback ends up under center in 2025.
Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images
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