The Los Angeles Chargers made tough decisions early on this offseason, but none compared to trading away their star and long-time wide receiver Keenan Allen. All Allen knew in his career was the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, and now he is a Chicago Bear while the Chargers enter a new era.
While the trade happened nearly two weeks ago, it is reported that Allen is not over how things transpired between him and the Charger organization. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Allen is still upset and hurt by the trade and how the contract negotiations went down.
According to Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, Allen reportedly was “stunned” by the Chargers’ unwillingness to listen to a counteroffer.
The 31-year-old was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick. While he is excited about a new beginning, this trade hurts him. He thought he would be a Charger forever; instead, he is with a new team after 11 years with the Chargers.
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It wasn’t easy for the Bolts, as it was the last thing they wanted to do. However, the team was in cap space hell, being approximately $20 million over the salary cap. The Chargers were able to restructure the salaries of defensive stars Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but when it came to Allen, he reportedly refused to restructure his contract. On top of that, Allen’s agent, Joby Branion, said the Chargers only made one offer, which was a pay cut for 2024 with a 2-year extension.
Allen’s team made a counteroffer, but according to Rhim, the front office rejected it, which caused LA to have no choice but to trade him. The Chargers selected Allen in the third round of the 2013 draft. He accomplished so much with the Bolts, including six Pro Bowl appearances, being named the 2017 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and finishing second all-time in Charger history in receiving yards.
After 11 seasons in San Diego/Los Angeles, Allen finds himself in the Windy City. There, he will be greeted by a ton of new offensive weapons, including tight end Cole Kmet, former Charger teammate and tight end Gerald Everett, running back D’Andre Swift, wide receiver DJ Moore, and future #1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears have all the tools to be a playoff team in a less competitive NFC. Allen will play a pivotal role in turning things around in Chicago, and it will all start in September.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.