Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency a year after being traded by the only team he had ever played for, the LA Chargers, to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick. His production declined with the Bears in 2024, and he was unable to reach a contract extension with the team.
Now, Allen faces a crucial decision about his future, and he has made his intentions clear—he will only play in Chicago or Los Angeles next season. With a potential return to the Chargers now a real possibility, many fans are hopeful for a reunion.
Allen appears to be reinforcing his case for a homecoming. Chargers fans quickly noticed that he shared an extensive highlight reel of himself running routes as a Charger on his Instagram story, even tagging quarterback Justin Herbert in one of the posts.
Keenan Allen adds more fuel to Chargers reunion fire
Does Keenan Allen posting a series of clips in Chargers powder blue guarantee his return to Los Angeles? Not necessarily. But it’s not every day a player floods his social media with highlights from his former team.
It’s clear that part of Allen wants to return to the Chargers, and it’s easy to see why. Justin Herbert is one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and with Jim Harbaugh now leading the team, there’s plenty of excitement in LA. Despite being one of the greatest players in franchise history, Allen never got to experience this new era firsthand.
A return would also give Allen the chance to solidify his place as the greatest wide receiver in Chargers history. He’s within reach of Antonio Gates’ franchise record for receiving yards, needing just 1,312 yards and 160 catches to surpass him. While that’s a tall order for one season, a two-year deal could give him a legitimate shot.
Some fans remain skeptical, citing Allen’s age and the potential redundancy with Ladd McConkey in the slot. The Chargers also have other big-name receivers they could target this offseason. However, Allen’s price in free agency is likely to be low, especially after limiting his market by declaring he’ll only play in Chicago or Los Angeles.
Allen wouldn’t have to be the only addition at his expected cost, and concerns about slot overlap with McConkey may be overblown. Both receivers can play outside, and in today’s motion-heavy offenses, positional flexibility is key.
While Allen may not be in his prime, he still offers Herbert a reliable, experienced weapon—especially on third downs and in the red zone. McConkey was impressive, but he alone isn’t enough to carry the passing game. Bringing Allen back could be the smart, low-risk move that helps stabilize the Chargers’ offense.
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