Are the Los Angeles Chargers in the process of potentially seeing a new No. 1 wide receiver in 2024? Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen and his future with the team has become a hotly debated topic in Southern California ahead of free agency.
On Sunday, one NFL insider gave clarity on the six-time Pro Bowler’s situation.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers Future Addressed by Insider
Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Chargers indeed are having “exploratory” talks on dealing away some veteran players. Two WRs were mentioned by Breer: Mike Williams and Allen.
Breer’s report also comes one day after NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed EDGE defenders Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have the Chargers open to trade offers for both.
Does this guarantee Allen is going to be on the move? Breer did share which Bolts veteran is the least likely to be dealt.
“Allen appears to be least likely to be moved, but they’re listening on all of them,” Breer said.
From what it sounds like, Allen isn’t a shoo-in to be back on the Chargers in 2024. Yet at the same time, the franchise appears to be more in tune with finding the right workable deal involving Bosa and Mack rather than finding a suitor for Allen.
And as Breer notes, this all pertains to the Chargers’ current 2024 salary cap situation.
How Does Allen’s Salary Compare to Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Mike Williams’?
The Chargers have significant space to clear up as they roll with Jim Harbaugh as head coach — who’s making his NFL return after a decade in the college game with Michigan.
Harbaugh is already facing the high probability of needing to locate two new pass-rushing options with Bosa and Mack’s pending status. But is their cap figure more massive than Allen’s? Here’s a comparison, starting with Allen’s contract details:
- Allen is currently signed through the 2025 season.
- His base salary, though, increases to $18.1 million for 2024, per Spotrac.
- Allen faces a potential cap hit of $34.7 million, plus a dead cap of $11.6 million.
- The WR has a potential out in his deal that goes into effect for ’24.
Allen’s cap hit is considered one of the most significant toward the Bolts’ current cap situation, but as for Bosa and Mack, their cap hits are higher.
Bosa, the No. 3 overall selection by L.A. in 2016, has a $36.6 million cap hit number. Mack, once brought in via trade from the Chicago Bears in 2022, holds an even higher mark at $38.5 million.
Now, crossing back over to Allen’s position group, what does Williams’ contract look like, and how does it impact the Bolts?
Williams is on a three-year, $60 million deal that he agreed to in 2023. That contract is originally set to expire in 2025. However, Williams’ numbers across the board are expected to jump in ’24.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Tracker 2024
The longtime teammate of Allen holds a ’24 base salary of $17 million. But his cap hit is in the $30 million range as well — $32.4 million. Lastly, Williams has a dead cap value of $12.4 million.
As teams have gotten an early start toward offering contracts and agreeing on trades, the Chargers are positioned to make their own significant roster changes during the week of March 11. From what it appears, Allen is not a lock to be a part of the Harbaugh regime. His 2024 status is anticipated to be answered between the start of free agency and April’s NFL Draft.
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