The Los Angeles Chargers will have to make a lot of tough decisions in the coming months, but not many will be harder than figuring out what to do with Keenan Allen. The Chargers are currently over the cap by $34.5 million, and they could save $23.1 million by parting ways with the soon-to-be 32-year-old wideout. While Allen is one of the best receivers in franchise history and is still playing at a high level, the NFL is a business and there is a real chance the Chargers ship him out in the coming weeks.
Keenan Allen is aware of this reality and, during a recent interview, spoke about his preferences for the future.
“I don’t want to go nowhere else,” Allen said, via Kris Rhim of ESPN.com. “Iv’e been here for 10 years like you said, the longest guy on the team, so I’m not looking forward to anything else.”
Keenan Allen might want to stick around, but he may not have a choice. Later on during the same interview, the wideout discussed his potential plans if the Chargers decide to part ways during the offseason.
From the sounds of it, Keenan Allen won’t sign with just anybody. The former third-round pick went on to say that there were a “select few” teams that he’d consider playing for if traded or released. Specifically, while his goal is to play a full season, the wideout said that he’d consider sitting out the offseason and parts of the regular season before the right fit opens up. The only question is, which team might provide the right fit?
Keenan Allen Discusses Chargers Future, Potential New Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers looks legit, but the Baltimore Ravens could use another proven wide receiver. After a slow start, Odell Beckham has come alive down the stretch and could play his way into a massive payday with a strong postseason. The former Giant is set to be a free agent, and if the Ravens can’t bring him back, then perhaps they could pivot to Keenan Allen. Alternatively, Baltimore might just think Allen is better than Beckham. It’s easy to see why the Ravens would want him, and Allen would probably love the opportunity to work with a legitimate Super Bowl contender and the probable MVP in Lamar Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is a superstar, but he is effectively the entire passing attack for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott and company are at their best when they have multiple reliable receivers, and they haven’t had that since the Amari Cooper trade back in 2022. Keenan Allen would be a clear upgrade on Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup, and the longtime Charger could be the missing piece that finally allows this team to make a deep playoff push. At the very least, it’s hard to ignore the appeal of playing for an organization with this much of a spotlight.
Kansas City Chiefs
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Kansas City Chiefs desperately need help at wide receiver. Rookie Rashee Rice is the only wideout who looks like they’ve ever seen a football before, and Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger. Despite the struggles at the skill position, the Chiefs remain one of the top teams in the league thanks to their impressive defense, Hall of Fame head coach, and of course, Patrick Mahomes. Every receiver in the league would love the opportunity to work with Mahomes, and it could be extra sweet for Allen to share a division with the Chargers.
New York Jets
The New York Jets season went up in smoke after just four snaps. However, Aaron Rodgers should be back to full strength in 2024, which means that the Jets should be a threat next season. Garrett Wilson looks like a franchise cornerstone, but Allen Lazard was one of the worst free-agent signings of the offseason. This team needs another reliable receiver, and Keenan Allen is a perfect man for the job. The veteran won’t need any time to adjust to Rodgers’ offense, and his route-running prowess and ability to get open instantaneously should be a welcome piece of New York’s offense.
Green Bay Packers
Did the Green Bay Packers get yet another Hall of Fame quarterback? It’s far too early to say for sure, but the fact of the matter is that Jordan Love looked good during his first season under center. The team made it to the playoffs despite having a remarkably inexperienced wide receiver room. This team could use a proven veteran who can still play at a high level, and Allen’s decade-long career could provide some invaluable experience to this depth chart.
Main Photo: Yannick Peterhans – USA Today Sports
