The Keenan Allen era in LA has come to an end as the Los Angeles Chargers traded the star wide receiver to the Chicago Bears; the Chargers would receive a fourth-round pick in return for Allen.
Keenan Allen spent 11 seasons with the Chargers, getting drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft while the franchise was still located in San Diego.
Throughout his time with the franchise, he has had six Pro Bowl selections and helped the team make the playoffs in 2013, 2018, and 2022.
Allen has become second in receptions and yards for the Chargers franchise, behind Antonio Gates, with 904 receptions and 10,530 yards. Gates and Allen are the only Chargers players to post 900 catches and 10,000 yards.
He is also third in franchise history in touchdowns at 59.
Keenan Allen has also played a big role in the franchise's transition from Phillip Rivers to Justin Herbert. Allen is coming off a solid year where he amassed over 1,200 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Allen was entering the final year of his contract; he signed an extension in 2020. Now he gets a change of scenery in the windy city.
Los Angeles Chargers Change of Scenery
The Chargers have already made some significant changes this offseason.
They cut veteran receiver Mike Williams, a long-time favorite of Chargers fans, to clear up salary cap space and let running back Austin Ekeler walk in Free Agency.
Pass rushers Joey Bosa and Kahlil Mack have also restructured their contracts to help the Chargers save money.
The franchise has also seen a major coaching change, bringing in Jim Harbaugh from Michigan.
Related Article: Joey Bosa Contract Restructuring Commences Jim Harbaugh Era: Cut or Trade Decisions Start for Chargers
Keenan Allen Joins a Roaring Bears Offense
Allen would join a Chicago Bears team who is setting up to be stacked in offensive talent next season
The Bears traded for wide receiver D.J. Moore before the 2023 NFL Draft last season. Moore is coming off a remarkable first season in Chicago with 1,364 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns.
The Bears have also signed former Eagles and Lions running back D'Andre Swift to a three-year deal and still have tight end Cole Kmet who has continued to be a consistent and productive player in his fourth season; having his best season as a pro notching 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The Missing Answer on a Talented Bears Offense
It remains to be seen who will be the Chicago Bears quarterback next season.
The Bears currently have the number one pick in the draft and are likely to take quarterback Caleb Williams if they choose to keep the pick and go that route.
On the other hand, Chicago may keep Justin Fields in the long term and perhaps trade the pick to get Fields another weapon or make an addition on defense.
For whichever quarterback they decide to roll with for the next season, the Bears are definitely helping them out quite a bit with a variety of offensive weapons.
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