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

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 05: DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears celebrates after a touchdown by Cole Kmet #85 during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 05, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

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

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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

About Author

Nathan Nguyen

My name is Nathan Nguyen, a college student from the beautiful state of California. I cover the three major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB) for Belly Up Sports. Outside of my writing, I host the 3rd and 10 Podcast: an NFL show with a focus on the New York Giants. We are live every Monday and Thursday at 1 PM EST on YouTube. I also host the Piggin’ Out Podcast, which is live every Tuesday at 7 PM EST on the Belly Up Sports YouTube channel. Finally, I am one of the four members of the Korner Booth Podcast, and we are live every Monday and Thursday at 7 pm EST.

2 Comments

    Has he been the best WR of this generation?

      In terms of consistency, absolutely.

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