Keenan Allen’s sentiment at the close of the Los Angeles Chargers’ underwhelming 2023 season, expressing his desire to remain with the team, appears to have been overshadowed as he finds himself traded to the Chicago Bears on Thursday in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Heading into the final season of a four-year extension inked in 2020, Allen declined offers to reduce his pay or adjust his contract terms, as per a source familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.
Expressing gratitude for Allen’s extensive contributions, Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos remarked, “What Keenan Allen has meant to the Chargers for more than a decade cannot adequately be expressed through mere words.”
The Chargers, contending with a significant salary cap crunch, initiated several moves before the onset of free agency to address their financial constraints. These included the release of wide receiver Mike Williams, along with contract restructures involving key players like linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Although Allen had hinted at the possibility of considering other options if it meant contending for championships, the Bears, coming off their third consecutive losing season, view the acquisition of Allen as a pivotal step in bolstering their offense.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles expressed enthusiasm about Allen joining their ranks, citing his impressive track record and his potential to elevate their offensive prowess.
Allen, who has amassed 904 receptions and 10,530 receiving yards in his 11-year career, has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the league. Despite missing the final four games of last season due to injury, he managed to secure 108 receptions and rack up 1,243 yards.
Now, the Bears’ new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and general manager, Joe Hortiz, must navigate the task of determining the primary target for quarterback Justin Herbert, given the current dearth of experienced receivers in their lineup.
As for the Chargers, armed with a fourth-round pick from the Bears, they now possess nine selections in the upcoming NFL draft, providing them with ample opportunities to fortify their roster.
