As the 2025 NFL offseason edges closer to the draft, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen remains a free agent, a surprising development for a player with his pedigree. At 33, the six-time Pro Bowler’s 2024 season with the Chicago Bears (70 catches, 744 yards, 7 TDs) showed he still possesses elite route-running and reliable hands, despite a slight dip in production. His prolonged free agency likely stems from age concerns and a crowded receiver market, but Allen’s skill set makes him a valuable asset. The Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears stand out as potential landing spots, each offering unique opportunities and challenges for Allen’s next chapter.
For the Chargers, Allen’s return would be a homecoming. Drafted by the team in 2013, he spent a decade as their offensive cornerstone before a 2024 trade to Chicago. With Justin Herbert at quarterback, Allen could thrive as a security blanket, complementing young receivers like Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense needs a possession receiver to sustain drives, and Allen’s precise routes and 68.1% catch rate fit perfectly. However, cap constraints and a youth-focused roster rebuild might limit the Chargers to a short-term deal, and Allen would need to accept a reduced role behind McConkey. His familiarity with the organization and Southern California roots make this reunion appealing, but the numbers would have to work for both sides.
The Bears, where Allen played in 2024, remain a strong contender to re-sign him. Despite a disappointing 8-9 season, Chicago’s offense showed promise under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who developed chemistry with Allen despite the challenge of playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Newly hired head coach Ben Johnson believes in tailoring the offense to the strengths of his players and keeping defenses on their toes. Allen’s ability to get open against zone coverages. Allen with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet would be a valuable combination to create the confusion using pre-snap motion and run-pass options.
However, the Bears’ front office may prioritize younger, cheaper options, and Allen’s desire for a multi-year deal could clash with their long-term plans. GM Ryan Poles currently only sits with $8.8 million in cap space and would need to work numbers and contracts to have Allen return to the Windy City.
The six time All-Pro has stated that he would consider two cities to play in, one being Los Angeles and the other Chicago. If those teams don’t come calling, he might have to consider his choices in location. The Raiders, 49ers, and Jaguars are all in real need of adding a strong game changer to their wide receiver room and each team having more than enough cap space to make the move enticing for the veteran.
Allen’s next move depends on his priorities: a contender, a lucrative contract, team location or a familiar system. The Chargers offer nostalgia, and the Bears continuity. Wherever he lands, Allen’s talent and professionalism ensure he’ll elevate any offense, proving he’s far from finished.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Keenan Allen remains a free agent but the question is why?
As the 2025 NFL offseason edges closer to the draft, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen remains a free agent, a surprising development for a player with his pedigree. At 33, the six-time Pro Bowler’s 2024 season with the Chicago Bears (70 catches, 744 yards, 7 TDs) showed he still possesses elite route-running and reliable hands, despite a slight dip in production. His prolonged free agency likely stems from age concerns and a crowded receiver market, but Allen’s skill set makes him a valuable asset. The Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears stand out as potential landing spots, each offering unique opportunities and challenges for Allen’s next chapter.
For the Chargers, Allen’s return would be a homecoming. Drafted by the team in 2013, he spent a decade as their offensive cornerstone before a 2024 trade to Chicago. With Justin Herbert at quarterback, Allen could thrive as a security blanket, complementing young receivers like Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense needs a possession receiver to sustain drives, and Allen’s precise routes and 68.1% catch rate fit perfectly. However, cap constraints and a youth-focused roster rebuild might limit the Chargers to a short-term deal, and Allen would need to accept a reduced role behind McConkey. His familiarity with the organization and Southern California roots make this reunion appealing, but the numbers would have to work for both sides.
The Bears, where Allen played in 2024, remain a strong contender to re-sign him. Despite a disappointing 8-9 season, Chicago’s offense showed promise under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who developed chemistry with Allen despite the challenge of playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Newly hired head coach Ben Johnson believes in tailoring the offense to the strengths of his players and keeping defenses on their toes. Allen’s ability to get open against zone coverages. Allen with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet would be a valuable combination to create the confusion using pre-snap motion and run-pass options.
However, the Bears’ front office may prioritize younger, cheaper options, and Allen’s desire for a multi-year deal could clash with their long-term plans. GM Ryan Poles currently only sits with $8.8 million in cap space and would need to work numbers and contracts to have Allen return to the Windy City.
The six time All-Pro has stated that he would consider two cities to play in, one being Los Angeles and the other Chicago. If those teams don’t come calling, he might have to consider his choices in location. The Raiders, 49ers, and Jaguars are all in real need of adding a strong game changer to their wide receiver room and each team having more than enough cap space to make the move enticing for the veteran.
Allen’s next move depends on his priorities: a contender, a lucrative contract, team location or a familiar system. The Chargers offer nostalgia, and the Bears continuity. Wherever he lands, Allen’s talent and professionalism ensure he’ll elevate any offense, proving he’s far from finished.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Keenan Allen remains a free agent but the question is why?
