Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen’s free agency is going to be among the more compelling at the position this offseason.
Allen, who is coming off a somewhat disappointing 2024 campaign in which he caught 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games, as Bears’ No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, went through some growing pains in a wildly inconsistent offense will likely have options.
There’s a pretty decent chance that the 32-year-old who came back from a heel injury early last season could prove to be a solid consolation prize for teams who miss out on marquee playmakers such as Davante Adams, Tee Higgins, Cooper Kupp, or Chris Godwin, who could all be on the move in the weeks ahead.
Allen may also wind up as a versatile weapon in new Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme, if he opts for a Chicago return.
How the Chicago Bears may be able to re-sign Keenan Allen
It remains unknown whether Allen even wants to return to Chicago.
Allen could opt to return to the Los Angeles Chargers, and his familiarity with Justin Herbert in a physical offensive scheme under head coach Jim Harbaugh where he’d have the chance to thrive.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who need to start adding reliable talent at wide receiver also make some sense, with Allen serving as a complement to field-stretcher George Pickens.
But, as 33rd Team NFL analyst Ian Valentino suggests the Bears have a built-in advantage when it comes to their knowledge of Allen and his injury history, over other teams, ahead of free agency.
“Keenan Allen has the reputation of never being available,” Valentino writes for The 33rd Team. “But he’s missed fewer games than you might guess. He’s missed only 14 games since 2017. However, he’s been banged up far more often, and his participation in games varies, even if he registers some time on the field.
“Turning 33 this offseason and looking out of shape throughout his lone season in Chicago, the veteran possession threat’s future is murky. Getting Ben Johnson in the building could reinvigorate Allen’s relationship with Chicago, as the best version of Allen is still valuable. Having Allen’s medicals and seeing how he operates on a daily basis could be the deciding factor in whether Chicago re-signs him or not.”
To Valentino’s point, if a bidding war doesn’t develop for Allen, the Bears would certainly have an edge over his health when it comes to his value and a potential contract offer in free agency.
The Bears hold some leverage, and may ultimately be the ones who hold the cards in terms of whether he’s back in Chicago or elsewhere next fall.
Chicago Bears could be a solid fit for speedy veteran receiver in free agency
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