The veteran wide receiver market is stacked this NFL offseason with proven names who could still make an impact in the right system. One of the biggest names on that list is Keenan Allen, looking for a bounce-back opportunity after a frustrating 2024 season in Chicago.
Tough Year in Chicago: Can Keenan Allen Bounce Back in Right System?
Without a doubt, 2024 didn’t go how Keenan Allen — or the Bears — planned. In what might end up being his only season in Chicago, the offense struggled mightily. The team’s issues came to a head during a disastrous Thanksgiving loss to the Lions, which led to head coach Matt Eberflus being fired. Ironically, that was one of Allen’s best games of the year. He caught two touchdowns and showed flashes of his old self late in the year under interim coach Thomas Brown, including back-to-back performances of 82 and 141 yards, with one touchdown in each.
Still, Allen’s production was below expectations. He finished with 744 receiving yards in 15 games — low by his standards and just barely more than the 752 yards he put up in only 10 games in 2022.
PFSN puts Allen at No. 23 in their top free agent rankings, saying, “Allen has spent over half of his snaps in the slot in five straight campaigns and, if signed into a very specific role, could make a positive impact entering his 13th season. He used to be a system-proof route winner — he can still make a difference, but not without the help of savvy scheming.”
Veteran WR Help? Why Allen Makes Sense for Commanders, Patriots, and Texans
One team that might come calling is Washington. The Commanders looked re-energized under Dan Quinn, with Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels leading the charge. He made things work with just one elite WR in Terry McLaurin, and now, after a blockbuster trade from San Francisco, he has Deebo Samuel. Adding Allen as a savvy slot option could take this offense to another level.
Mike Vrabel is trying to rebuild an offense around second-year quarterback Drake Maye in New England. The Patriots already added Stefon Diggs on a four-year, $69 million deal, but pairing him with another veteran like Allen — especially with Diggs coming off an ACL injury — could give Maye a reliable security blanket in year two.
The Texans are in a similar spot. They expected Stefon Diggs to lead their receiver room last year, but injuries and inconsistency left a gap. With Christian Kirk now in the mix and Nico Collins and Tank Dell returning — Dell from a Week 16 knee injury — Allen could offer stability and depth for a WR group that struggled to stay healthy.
Allen does come with some risk, given his age and past injuries. But since 2017, he’s played at least 13 games every season except 2022. When healthy, he’s still a high-IQ route runner with sure hands — qualities any team looking for a veteran presence would value.