NFL insider outlines Keenan Allen's stance on future with Bears
Veteran receiver Keenan Allen has set clear parameters for his NFL future. His preferences center on just two destinations as he enters free agency in March 2025.
Allen, 32, came to Chicago in March 2024 through a trade that cost the Bears a fourth-round pick. The former Chargers star brought a $23.1 million cap hit in his first season with the team.
Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network outlined what he heard from Allen about his plans for the future:
"I spoke to Keenan Allen near last season's end, and he's open to the prospect of a return to the Bears. He said he'd like to play in Los Angeles or Chicago, narrowing focus to three teams," wrote Bair on Thursday.
Keenan Allen had 70 catches on 121 targets for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games last season. The yardage marked his lowest output since 2016.
The case for Keenan Allen's return to Chicago
The Bears' receiver room presents both opportunities and challenges. D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze are the top two options, but both fell short of 1,000-yard seasons in 2024.
Ben Johnson's arrival as head coach could revitalize the offense. His Lions teams rarely featured three high-volume receivers. No third receiver topped 500 yards during his tenure in Detroit.
Market forces will play a crucial role. Allen's previous $18.1 million salary needs adjustment. Similar veterans like Tyler Lockett ($29.6 million/2 years) and DeAndre Hopkins ($26 million/2 years) provide recent contract benchmarks.
Financial projections from Spotrac place Allen's value at $11.1 million annually. Bair suggests a one-year deal at this price point makes sense for Chicago. A two-year contract with limited second-year guarantees could also work.
GM Ryan Poles and the Bears' front office face a March deadline. Their decision seemingly will shape not just the receiver room but the entire offensive identity heading into 2025.