Keenan Allen‘s Chargers tenure came to an end this offseason when he was traded to the Bears. The veteran wideout said in June he would be open to a long-term Chicago contract, and that sentiment has not changed. 
The 2024 campaign has not gone according to plan for the Bears, but recent weeks have showcased the team’s potential on offense with Caleb Williams at quarterback. Allen has played a central role in the Bears’ passing attack over the past three weeks, racking up 18 catches, 200 yards and three touchdowns during that span. The six-time Pro Bowler is a pending free agent, and continuing that production down the stretch would help his market value.
As The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain writes, though, Allen has expressed a desire to remain in Chicago beyond the current season (subscription required). The Bears sit at 4-8 on the season, and both offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus have been dismissed. Allen and fellow wideout D.J. Moore were among the players who spoke out against Waldron after he was let go, and the offense has improved under Thomas Brown. Brown is now in place as interim head coach, but he will retain play-calling duties down the stretch.
Allen changed agents this offseason after his inability to land a new Chargers deal played a central role in the trade which sent him to the Windy City. The six-time Pro Bowler is on track to reach a free agent market expected to be headlined at the WR position by Tee Higgins, and at the age of 32 Allen does not figure to receive much interest in a long-term accord from any suitor. The Bears also have Moore on the books through 2029 along with first-round rookie Rome Odunze as a projected staple on offense for the foreseeable future.
In spite of that, Allen’s status as a veteran presence on an otherwise young Bears offense carries weight. If he manages to remain productive over the closing weeks of the campaign, the team (set to be near the top of the league in 2025 cap space) could entertain talks on a new deal. From Allen’s perspective, at least, that would be a desirable outcome.
Since they fired Waldron, Allen has become a much bigger part of the offense and solid for Williams. Now if they just had a decent O-line from guard to guard…
All depends on the money he wants. I could see a place for him, as he’s improved as of late. And he already has familiarity with Williams. But money is always what it comes down too
Bears could let him go and draft a younger star to compliment Odunze and Moore. The perfect fit for Allen could easily be Commanders or Ravens. Ravens need more WR talent especially with Bateman inconsistency and Diontae being a diva. Give Daniels another weapon to compliment McLaurin and Noah brown too
If you were a Bears fan you would still be having nightmares of them drafting another Kevin White. Keenan is a proven commodity. He still has a youth’s passion for the game. He can provide the kind of veteran leadership a rebuilding team needs too. I hope the Bears find a way to keep him in Chicago.
lol man so many first round busts. Comes with the business. Treylon Burks. Jalen Raegor. lol Allen could stay in just noting other teams that could swoop him up. He does still play like a youthful guy minus the tweaks and injuries
I say it’s not a question of if but how much?
Hmmm
If for no other reason, keeping their three top receivers should be a no brainer for the continued development of Caleb Williams!
I’m crossing my fingers he ends up a Charger again after this season
The nice thing about keeping Allen is it could be for shorter term at a higher average amount or signing bonus given their cap space. Veteran presence, leadership, professional receiver, and connection with Caleb is a big plus. Only negative is it keeps some opportunity away from Rome.
Rome will still get his share of throws.
I’d let Allen & Jenkins walk in FA, hold onto Sanborn & try for two 2026 Comp picks. Allen could be an injury risk when they need him, similar to Jenkins, so they’re best off finding replacements for both in the draft,, perhaps adding an additional pick or two using future capital. I’d love to see Odunze, DJ, & Kmet as the main targets with an upside rookie earning 3rd/4th WR reps.
I would say, if the Bears really do want to be winning games next season, that Jenkins is still around. I mean you still draft a replacement (as typically FA or traded lineman are let go for a reason), but seeing the line now, and the Bears repeated issues with it, re-enforces the idea that you cannot just assume you will get someone better, and quickly, if you let Jenkins go.