Chargers Shake Up Offense, Trade Star WR Allen to Bears

In a surprising move that reshapes their offensive outlook, the Los Angeles Chargers have traded star wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.

Allen, who turns 32 in April, had been the longest-tenured Charger after being drafted in the third round in 2013 out of California. Over his 11 seasons in Los Angeles, he racked up 904 receptions for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns, earning six Pro Bowl selections.

The trade frees up $23.1 million in salary cap space for the Chargers, who had been over the cap by around $25 million entering this week. Allen was due $18.1 million in base salary in 2024 plus a $5 million roster bonus this Sunday.

“What Keenan Allen has meant to the Chargers for more than a decade cannot adequately be expressed through mere words,” said team president of football operations John Spanos. “Keenan’s impact lives in the hearts of our fans, in the communities which he has served and amongst the countless teammates who have formed a brotherhood with him.”

According to reports, the Chargers approached Allen about taking a pay cut but he refused, prompting them to explore trade options. New general manager Joe Hortiz pulled the trigger on the deal with the Bears, who get a proven veteran target for Justin Fields.

For the Chargers, it continues an offseason overhaul of the skill positions around quarterback Justin Herbert. They released No. 2 wideout Mike Williams earlier this week and saw running back Austin Ekeler depart in free agency.

That leaves Herbert operating with a largely new group of pass-catchers headlined by Joshua Palmer, 2022 rookie Quentin Johnston and any potential draft additions in April. Los Angeles holds the 5th overall pick.

While trading the accomplished Allen represents a calculated risk, the cap savings gives the Chargers flexibility to address other areas of the roster. But there’s no denying Herbert loses his most trusted weapon through the air.

Only time will tell if the bold move pays off for Los Angeles as they look to vault back into contention in the AFC West behind their elite young quarterback. The gamble signals the Chargers are willing to endure some short-term transition pains on offense in order to bolster other units.

For the Bears, they add a still-productive veteran who should blend well with Fields’ mobility outside the pocket. While no longer in his prime, Allen possesses a refined route-running acumen that could quickly make him Fields’ security blanket.

The trade market has remained active across the NFL this offseason, with marquee players like Allen continuing to be on the move as franchises reshape their rosters. The Chargers-Bears deal is just the latest landscape-altering swap for two teams charting different trajectories.