The Chicago Bears have made a trade that will drastically shift the look of their offense next season.
No, not that one.
Thursday night, the Bears struck a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
NFL on FOX’s Jay Glazer was the first to report the news.
Scoopage… Bears have traded for WR Keenan Allen sending Chargers a fourth rounder. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 15, 2024
Originally drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Allen spent the first 11 seasons of his NFL career with the team. The Cal alum make an immediate impact in his rookie season, tallying 1,046 receiving yards which set the team’s rookie record. Allen also tied Eddie Royal for most touchdown receptions on the team in 2013 with eight. He finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy.
Allen continued to find success over the years but tore his ACL in the season opener of the 2016 season and missed the whole year. His best career season came after returning from the injury, as he finished with nearly 1,400 receiving yards in 2017 and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He also started a streak of five straight Pro Bowl appearances.
In 2023, Allen returned to the Pro Bowl after putting up another huge year. He amassed 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, just one off his career-best.
Allen has one year remaining on his contract. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has proven aggressive in signing traded players to extensions right away, such as Montez Sweat and D.J. Moore. At 32 years old, however, Allen may prove to be more of a stopgap or a wait-and-see player in that regard.
[Jay Glazer on Twitter/X]
