After making several moves over the past few days to free up salary cap space, it appeared as though the Los Angeles Chargers were done with tweaking their roster.
Apparently, that isn’t the case, as they are trading star wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears.
Keenan Allen Trade Details
Bears Receive:
- WR Keenan Allen
Chargers Receive:
- 2024 fourth-round pick
According to Jay Glazer of NFL on Fox, Los Angeles is sending Allen to Chicago in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers will receive the 110th overall pick from the Bears, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.
Despite the release of wide receiver Mike Williams, the Chargers are still moving on from one of the greatest wide receivers in franchise history. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Los Angeles approached Allen about a potential pay cut earlier today, which eventually led to him being traded to Chicago.
Allen finished last season with the second-most yards in his NFL career, totaling 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite being 31 years old, Allen is still one of the best route runners in the entire league.
Now, the Chargers will head into the 2024 NFL Draft with extra capital and a gaping hole at wide receiver. Los Angeles holds the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, which has stacked class at their new biggest position of need.
Bears Land Star WR for Caleb Williams?
Chicago holds the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with many believing the Bears will select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top selection. After trading for wide receiver DJ Moore last offseason, Chicago now adds another elite weapon to improve their passing attack.
It’s clear that the Bears want to surround their next franchise quarterback with one of the strongest wide receiver rooms in the NFL. Despite Allen’s age, there is no denying his route-running ability and value as a reliable target for a rookie quarterback.
Allen and Moore will form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. Regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Bears next season, Chicago just cemented a talented playmaker who will potentially elevate their offense to another level.
Keenan Allen Contract Details for 2024
The Chargers approached Allen about restructuring his contract to remain in Los Angeles, which eventually resulted in him being traded to Chicago. Now, the Bears will inherit Allen’s final year of his current contract.
Allen is set to make a base salary of $18.1 million and a roster bonus of $5 million in 2024. After sending a fourth-round pick to the Chargers for Allen, Chicago will absorb a total cap hit of $23.1 million this season.
Keenan Allen Career Stats
Allen departs Los Angeles as arguably the greatest wide receiver in franchise history. In 139 games with the Chargers, Allen totaled 904 receptions for 10,503 receiving yards and 59 receiving touchdowns.
KEEP READING: Chargers’ WR Depth Chart Following Allen Trade
The only player with more receptions and receiving yards than Allen in Chargers’ history is Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates. Allen is also currently 26th overall in all-time receptions and 47th overall in all-time receiving yards in NFL history.
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