Bears Bolster Offense, Acquire Keenan Allen in Trade

The Chicago Bears are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to revamp their offense this offseason. On Thursday night, they pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.

Allen, who turns 32 in April, is coming off another productive season in which he hauled in 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and 7 touchdowns despite missing the final four games due to injury. The addition of the venerable wideout immediately bolsters a Bears passing attack that struggled mightily in 2023.

In Allen, Chicago gets a bona fide No. 1 receiver to pair with DJ Moore, who was acquired from the Panthers earlier this offseason. The two should form one of the most formidable duos in the NFL and finally give quarterback Justin Fields some legitimate weapons on the outside.

“We’re extremely excited to add Keenan to our team,” said Bears GM Ryan Poles. “His body of work speaks for itself and we look forward to him elevating our offense.”

Indeed, Allen’s resume is impressive. He’s eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark six times in his 11-year career, exhibiting incredible consistency and production. Allen also holds the NFL record for most games with at least 15 receptions (3) and ranks fourth all-time in games with double-digit catches.

For the Chargers, the trade marks the end of an era, as Allen was their longest-tenured player, having been drafted in the third round in 2013. He leaves as the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. However, with a new regime in place led by GM Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh, it was likely time to start fresh at the receiver position.

Los Angeles will now look to Joshua Palmer and 2022 first-round pick Quentin Johnston to step up as their top targets in the passing game. They also hold the No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft, which is shaping up to be a loaded class at wide receiver.

As for the Bears, they seem determined to surround Fields with as much talent as possible heading into a crucial 2024 campaign. In addition to landing Allen and Moore, Chicago has signed tight end Gerald Everett and running back D’Andre Swift to multi-year deals over the past week.

With a hopefully rejuvenated passing attack, the Bears will aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. However, the biggest question may be at quarterback, as rumors continue to swirl about the team potentially using the No. 1 overall pick on a prospect like Caleb Williams or trading Fields.

Regardless of who is under center, the combination of Allen, Moore and the rest of Chicago’s new offensive weapons should make for an exciting brand of football in the Windy City next season.