Keenan Allen bluntly admits he may leave the Bears to rejoin the Chargers

The LA Chargers made the difficult decision to trade Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears in March. Needing to clear salary cap space to become cap compliant, the Chargers traded Allen to Chicago for just a fourth-round pick after they could not agree on a contract extension that would have created the necessary cap space.

Allen had no more success negotiating an extension with the Bears as no deal was reached before the season. The veteran wideout has since gotten lost in the shuffle in a disappointing Chicago offense, lowering his free-agency value in the process.

Allen, who is an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, was quite candid about his future during an appearance on David Kaplan’s The big dog show. Allen admitted bluntly that he would only re-sign with the Bears or go back to LA. The veteran wideout isn’t interested in any other path.

Allen didn’t specify the Chargers, but he did say “back to LA.” It’s pretty safe to say Allen mentioned a return to the Chargers, not a return to the city of Los Angeles to play for the Rams. Plus, the Rams have no real reason to sign Allen, anyway, with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.

This is a pretty big deal as players are rarely this honest about their future. Allen makes it pretty clear that he wants no part of signing with a bad team like the New York Giants. Either he will stay where he is or return home.

Granted, Allen’s stance could change if neither the Chargers nor the Bears want to pay him, or if a contending team comes over the top with an offer he can’t refuse. Allen’s preferred destinations are now undeniable, and this officially opens the door for a reunion next season.

After all, the Chargers were in extension negotiations with Allen before they traded him, so there is interest in keeping him past 2024. It was the numbers of the contract where the two sides disagreed. After Allen’s 2024 season, the two sides are likely more aligned.

Los Angeles desperately needs to add wide receiver help in the offseason, and while Tee Higgins has become many fans’ dream target, no one would scoff at the idea of ​​bringing Allen back. Giving Justin Herbert his old safety blanket to pair with his new safety blanket (Ladd McConkey) would only result in good things.

Plus, it would give Allen a chance to earn his rightful place atop the Chargers’ franchise receiving leaderboard. Allen is second in Chargers history in both receptions and receiving yards, trailing Antonio Gates with 41 receptions and 1,311 receiving yards. One more season in LA would give him the reception record, two more would cement the receiving yards record.

This record-breaking reunion could now become a reality following Allen’s comments.