The newly appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jim Harbaugh, expressed uncertainty about anyone currently having a better situation than Keenan Allen in his fresh role with the Chicago Bears.
During his initial remarks regarding the trade, Harbaugh recognized the “business” aspect behind the Chargers’ decision to part ways with Allen, while addressing the NFL’s annual owners meeting in Orlando on March 25. The Bears acquired the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, along with the remaining $23.1 million on his contract, in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Despite acknowledging the transaction’s practicality, given his past affiliation with the Bears, Harbaugh conveyed contentment for Allen’s newfound opportunity.
“It’s the business part of it,” Harbaugh said, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim. “And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know, who’s got it better?”
Both the Bears and Chargers stand to benefit from the Allen trade. Chicago gains a reliable receiver, coming off one of his best seasons in his decade-long career, to bolster their offensive lineup. With 108 receptions in 2023, Allen’s arrival complements star DJ Moore and aids in the development of the Bears’ upcoming rookie quarterback.
On the other hand, Los Angeles addresses salary cap constraints and secures additional draft picks, enhancing their rebuilding efforts led by Harbaugh. Holding the fifth overall pick in the draft, the Chargers have an opportunity to fill Allen’s void with a promising rookie.
However, the Bears must address their long-term strategies before fully embracing the trade’s potential benefits.
Keenan Allen Creates ‘Balance’ for Bears Offense in 2024
The acquisition of Allen on March 14 by the Bears represents a significant boon for their future rookie quarterback. Widely regarded as one of the premier route-runners in the league, Allen’s addition brings a wealth of experience, with over 900 receptions and 10,000 receiving yards, to the Chicago offense. Prior to this move, the Bears relied primarily on Moore and a group of young receivers with limited production.
From a historical perspective, the Bears may have formed one of the most formidable receiving duos ever seen for a first-season NFL quarterback selected as the No. 1 overall pick.
“I thought it was an absolute perfect fit,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Monday, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “I don’t think there’s a better receiver in the league that can be better for a young quarterback in terms of understanding the NFL, timing, space, reading defenses. So, I think that’s a great addition.
“It balances the field with DJ on the other side, Cole [Kmet] and [Gerald] Everett at tight end and [D’Andre] Swift at running back. We have a lot of really cool things that can get going and allow us to be dynamic and really special.”
Will Bears Sign Keenan Allen to Contract Extension?
The Bears have successfully enlisted Allen as a key asset for their rookie quarterback’s inaugural season, but if they aim to retain him for the foreseeable future, there’s groundwork to be laid.
With just one year remaining on Allen’s four-year, $80.1 million contract signed with the Chargers in 2021, it’s evident why the Chargers opted for a change. Additionally, Allen, who turns 32 in April, has faced recent injury setbacks, sitting out 11 games over the last two seasons.
Nevertheless, Bears general manager Poles expressed a keen interest in securing Allen’s services for the long haul. However, he acknowledged that other contract extensions might take precedence.
“I try to prioritize extensions deliberately, so we’ll assess our priorities and determine the order,” Poles stated during Monday’s owners meeting, as reported by The Athletic’s Adam Jahns. “But considering his value, I would be thrilled to secure him on a long-term basis.”
