The Chicago Bears add another big weapon for their future rookie quarterback, acquiring Keenan Allen via trade.
The former Los Angeles Chargers receiver was traded for a fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The Bears land a six-time Pro Bowler in Allen to their offense that is reshaping this offseason. Chicago also signed D’Andre Swift in free agency and could trade away Justin Fields shortly. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers are resetting the receiver position with this move.
Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen Traded to Chicago Bears
Scoopage… Bears have traded for WR Keenan Allen sending Chargers a fourth rounder. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 15, 2024
According to Fox NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the Chargers will get Chicago’s pick 110 in the fourth round for the veteran receiver. Yesterday due to cap space, they also released receiver Mike Williams, so the experienced duo with him and Allen is no more in Los Angeles.
Both veterans have been there since 2017, when the 29-year-old Williams entered the NFL as a rookie. Mike Williams, at 6’4″ and 218 pounds, is a former seventh-overall pick from Clemson. Keenan Allen, the 6’2″ and 211-pound receiver from Cal, was drafted in 2013 as a third-round pick and is now 31 years old.
Keenan Allen Career Summary
Allen will pair nicely with another 1,000-yard receiver in D.J. Moore. The 26-year-old is a big play threat on the outside who can threaten opposing defenses deep. The Bears add Allen to the mix, someone who can move the chains as a reliable and versatile target on the outside and in the slot.
The NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2017 dealt with injuries in 2023 and, in general, has been prone to injury most of his career. Allen finished 2023 playing just 13 games but was ranked sixth in catches with 108 among all NFL pass catchers. He was also 11th in receiving yards with 1,243 and 18th in receiving touchdowns with seven.
The veteran is entering his 12th season and had his best season in 2017. But this past year was even better, considering Allen missed three more games but had more catches, just fewer yards.
Impact for Bears, Chargers Draft Strategy
Chicago can now address defense with that second first-round pick at nine overall or trade down potentially, giving them plenty of options. An edge rusher like Alabama’s Dallas Turner or Jared Verse from Florida State now seems more likely.
The Chargers’ main need on offense is a receiver to pair with Quinton Johnston, a former first-round pick from last year who had a disappointing rookie year. A trade down from fifth overall is still possible, but they are likely to land a top receiver prospect in this year’s draft.
Players like Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are both in play for Los Angeles. The Chargers will likely attack this position with multiple picks to add their depth with Joshua Palmer and Johnston.
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