A late trade to end the night, the Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with one of their long-term veteran stars. Wide receiver Keenan Allen will take his talents to the Chicago Bears, where he will team up with D.J Moore to be the weapons for whoever is under center (hint: Caleb Williams). How does this trade affect both teams? Let’s dive into it.
The Bears Are Loading Up On Weapons
With the addition of Allen, the Bears now have legitimate weapons to surround their future QB1. Whether it’s still going to be Justin Fields or the drafting of Caleb Williams, Chicago’s offense just got a lot more dangerous over the past few days.
First, it was D’Andre Swift (three years, $24 million) who joined the team. He will likely lead the backfield as the RB1 and work together with Khalil Herbert to form a solid duo.
Then, Allen came along. The wideout had a career year in 2023, with highs across the board in receptions (108) and yards (1,243). He had seven touchdown receptions last year, showing signs of not slowing down as he is approaching the age of 31.
He likely won’t get as many targets in Chicago compared to his time in Los Angeles Chargers. But, one thing is for certain: you cannot double-team Moore or Allen. Add in Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett at tight end, and you have four impactful pass-catchers.
(Is it crazy to think maybe the Bears stick with Justin Fields and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. to have three dangerous wide receivers?)
The Chargers Clear More Cap Space, But Now Have No WRs
Of course, they have wide receivers. They just don’t have wide receivers. With the trade of Allen and the release of Mike Williams, their starting wideouts are Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer. Doesn’t scream “scary” if you ask me.
On the bright side, they got rid of Allen’s $23.1 million cap hit. They also got a fourth-round pick out of this trade.
But, what is their identity? Are they going to compete? They restructured the contracts of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. But, they no longer have Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Williams, and Everett.
If there’s a team that needs to have a good draft, it is the Los Angeles Chargers. Otherwise, none of us will be surprised if they finish last in the AFC West.
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Featured Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
2 Comments
Has he been the best WR of this generation?
In terms of consistency, absolutely.