Keenan Allen's next move after Bears' departure is now painfully obvious

A reunion in the works?
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

After a disappointing season with the Chicago Bears in 2024, wide receiver Keenan Allen is still looking for a job and might be close to landing a new home. This potential home wouldn't be so new to him, though.

NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the Los Angeles Chargers brought Allen in for a visit after he had played 11 seasons with the team before his lone year in Chicago. Allen made six Pro Bowls and won Comeback Player of the Year with the Chargers after posting six 1,000-yard seasons.

Last year in Chicago, Allen caught 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. His 744 yards were the least he has ever had when starting at least 10 games in his career.

How Chicago moved on from Allen after his one year stay

Allen was a valuable veteran to the roster and someone that quarterback Caleb Williams needed in his rookie season. Williams threw the ball in Allen's direction 121 times last year, the second most on the team behind DJ Moore's 140 targets.

At age 33, Allen was well-suited for what the Bears needed in 2024, but he's getting older, and the team had to get younger with players Williams can develop. Allen didn't end up being as productive as the team hoped he would be, averaging a career-low 49.6 yards per game.

Chicago instead got Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency and selected Luther Burden III in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Burden is expected to be the starting slot receiver, with Zaccheaus as the young yet experienced receiver on the offense.

The Bears appear to be in just as good, if not better, a situation at wide receiver than they were last year. This isn't a knock on Allen, who could still make a solid number two or three receiver on any roster. However, with Rome Odunze and Moore as the top options, Chicago is in solid shape for 2025.

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Allen rejoining the Chargers would be a great story, especially following Mike Williams' recent surprise retirement. Bears fans can only hope for the best for Allen, as there is no animosity towards him.