New reports say Six-Time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen is only open to signing with the Chargers or Bears this upcoming offseason. According to multiple sources, the veteran made his stance about where he wants to play next as he’s one of the biggest names in free agency in March. It sounds like Allen doesn’t want a competitive market for his services despite entering 33 where he is limiting his opportunities to chase at least one Super Bowl ring before he eventually retires. Allen is in no position to retire and wants to play as long as he can in the league.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former NFL Comeback Player of the Year became one of the better playmakers in the league after setting the Los Angeles Chargers’ records for receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. Through 11 seasons, the veteran was able to accumulate more than 10,000 receiving yards on 948 receptions and 64 receiving touchdowns. Allen could easily become that same spectacular player he once was playing for the Chargers but that would only happen if he leaves the Bears.
As of this posting, it seems like what Allen means when mentions LA is the Chargers but that could also mean the Rams as well. For the sake of clarity and avoiding assumption, the Rams may be a possibility for him as they have a talented roster of wideouts with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Whatever Los Angeles team Allen is talking about, both LA teams work in his favor if he wants to find playoff success.
REPORT: Six-Time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen Open To Signing With Chargers or Bears – Other Suitors May Emerge?
The Tale of Two Cities
While Allen thinks about his next decision, it may be safer to suit up with the Los Angeles Chargers again. They have a winning culture under head coach Jim Harbaugh with an experienced veteran quarterback Justin Herbert to win a Superbowl. Meanwhile, rookie Caleb Williams is going through growing pains as anticipated coming out as the 2024 first-round NFL Draft pick. There is a lot of frustration ongoing in Chicago and they’ll likely go into a rebuild offseason to bring in younger offensive weapons for Williams.
Even though Allen is getting older, he should get some type of market on a short-term deal basis to prove he could be efficient.
Other Suitors
Kansas City Chiefs
Chances are, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to be in the market for a new wideout after the postseason. DeAndre Hopkins was short-term relief after acquiring him in a trade after losing Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown for the majority of the 2024 campaign. They could treat Allen the same way since the Chiefs will likely get younger with Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy as the main pieces at the aerial attack. The Chiefs would still need some type of veteran presence so a guy like Allen might benefit this squad.
Baltimore Ravens
After releasing Odell Beckham Jr. this past offseason, the Baltimore Ravens haven’t found any luck finding a reliable man behind Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor. They tried bringing in Diontae Johnson but they could never get on the same page later leading to his waiver from the team. Perhaps, they could bring in a flier like Allen to emerge in front of Agholor to see what he could do as the third wide receiver on the depth chart.
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