According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, The Chicago Bears have made a blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen in an attempt to provide more playmakers for whoever the starting quarterback might be in 2024.
The Bears only had to give up a fourth-round pick for Allen, who has been a top wide receiver in the NFL since being drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.
Keenan Allen gave 11 solid years to the Los Angeles Chargers before being traded to the Chicago Bears
Keenan Allen came into the league hot when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, who were the San Diego Chargers at the time. He had over 1,000 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, which would tie the number for the most touchdowns he’s had in his career.
Since then, Allen tacked on five more 1,000-yard seasons, and he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. Last year, he had 1,243 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in a season where his starting quarterback, Justin Herbert, suffered a season-ending injury.
Allen provided a veteran presence in the Chargers locker room along with fellow wide receiver Mike Williams, who the Chargers let walk in free agency this offseason. Los Angeles opted to keep pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack instead of one of the most consistent veteran receiving corps in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz explained that getting under the cap was a top priority in an ESPN article.
“In terms of the cap, I’m confident we can get there because you have to get there,” Hortiz said with a smile. “I have no choice but to get under the cap, so I can promise you that we’re going to do that.”
Chicago Bears fans are excited to have another playmaker accompany D.J. Moore in Keenan Allen; Los Angeles Chargers fans are sad to see him go
The Chicago Bears and their quarterback for 2024, whether it be Justin Fields or Caleb Williams, had a barren list of playmakers outside of D.J. Moore before this blockbuster trade featuring Keenan Allen.
Young, up-and-coming speedster Darnell Mooney left the team in free agency making tight end Cole Kmet arguably the biggest receiving threat outside of Moore. Many fans were happy to see Mooney go, but it was clear they needed more talent on the outside if a rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams or an underdeveloped quarterback like Justin Fields was going to succeed.
Many Bears fans are happy to see more of an attempt by the organization to surround their young quarterback with talent. The Bears also added notable pass-catching running back DeAndre Swift to the backfield.
Chicago’s getting a STAR 👀pic.twitter.com/Qy29ToL2Am
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 15, 2024
WHAT A STEAL FOR THE BEARS!!!!
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) March 15, 2024
DJ Moore and Keenan Allen and Cole Kemet and Deandre Swift? Is this legal?
— Global Utopia Sports (@GL8BAL_SPORTS) March 15, 2024
Chargers fans, who have watched Keenan Allen for 11 years, are sad to see the veteran wide receiver go for such a low price.
One of the greatest Chargers I’ll ever have the privilege of watching.
Love you Keenan Allen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/P3Lu7IP96P
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) March 15, 2024
Chargers restructured Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack contracts but couldn’t keep Keenan Allen..
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) March 15, 2024
Allen will be one of the top targets for whoever happens to call the signals for the Bears in 2024. If he can stay healthy, which he has been able to do for the most part since 20117, he can continue to be one of the top veteran wide receivers in the NFL.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.