Bears’ Keenan Allen Flatly Rejected Idea of Taking a Pay Cut With Chargers

Los Angeles traded the veteran to Chicago this week.

The Chicago Bears made a huge addition to their team this offseason, taking advantage of the Los Angeles Chargers’ tight cap situation by trading for wide receiver Keenan Allen. Los Angeles initially asked Allen to take a pay cut, but when the veteran declined, the team opted to trade him to clear the money.

Allen is entering the final year of his contract, set to make just over $23 million against the cap. At his introductory press conference, the veteran receiver explained what went through his mind when the Chargers asked him to take a pay cut.

“I’m not doing it,” Allen said, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I just came off my best season.”

Wide receiver Keenan Allen explained why he didn’t take a pay cut with the Los Angeles Chargers :: Kirby Lee/USA Today sports

In 2023, Allen recorded a career-high 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns, the latter two were both the second most in his career. He played in 13 games and made his sixth Pro Bowl, proving he is still at the top of his game despite being 31 years old.

The veteran wide receiver previously played his entire career for the Chargers. He became statistically the best receiver in team history and ended his stint second on the organization’s all-time receiving yards list behind just tight end Antonio Gates.

Considering Allen has dealt with injuries over the past decade, he likely wanted to make sure he capitalized on his strong 2023 season while he can. However, that meant he had to change teams for the first time in 11 years.