Kris Rhim
LOS ANGELES — Vast receiver Keenan Allen, who spent the primary 11 years of his NFL profession with the Chargers, is returning to the crew, as the edges agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday.
After Mike Williams' shock retirement final month, a reunion between Allen, 33, and the Chargers appeared potential. Allen labored out for the crew on Friday, and he now will reunite with quarterback Justin Herbert.
However the six-time Professional Bowler will likely be strolling right into a a lot completely different receiving room than the one he left when the Chargers traded him to the Chicago Bears following the 2023 season.
Vast receiver Ladd McConkey, who broke lots of Allen's rookie receiving information in 2024, spends most of his time as a slot receiver, like Allen. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman will likely be tasked with making Allen and McConkey mesh within the passing offense.
Chargers basic supervisor Joe Hortiz, talking after the deal was introduced Tuesday night time, dismissed any considerations concerning the duo's match.
“I feel [Bears wide receiver] DJ Moore's performed plenty of slot, and so they had been each on the sector 80% of the time final 12 months,” Hortiz stated of Allen's position in Chicago. “You get good gamers on the sector and also you play them.”
Hortiz added that his crew is “fired up” to carry aboard Allen and famous whereas Allen was at all times an possibility, there was extra alternative after Williams' retirement.
With Allen again, undrafted rookie quarterback DJ Uiagalelei switched from No. 13 to No. 7.
The Chargers chosen Allen with the 76th choose within the 2013 NFL draft out of Cal.
He remained with the Bolts by way of the 2023 season, when he set the franchise's single-season document for receptions with 108 regardless of sitting out the ultimate 4 video games due to a heel damage. He was probably the most dependable weapon in a receiving corps that was inconsistent all through that marketing campaign.
However after the 2 sides could not conform to phrases on a contract extension, the Chargers traded Allen to the Bears for a 2024 fourth-round choose in March 2024.
Sources near Allen instructed ESPN on the time that the commerce blindsided him.
However in Chicago, Allen wasn't as productive and completed final season with 70 receptions for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns earlier than he left in free company this offseason.
