Chargers Trade Keenan Allen to Chicago Bears

The Chargers are trading longtime Bolt Keenan Allen to the Bears.

As the offseason heats up, the Chargers have dealt Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick, per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Chargers are trading WR Keenan Allen to the Bears for a fourth-round pick, as @JayGlazer reported.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024

This move was made for cap purposes, giving the Bolts more money to spend on other positions of need in free agency – likely defensive ones. 

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bolts approached Allen with the idea of a pay cut today, which he declined. As a result, to free up space in the short-term, they were forced to move him.

The #Chargers approached star WR Keenan Allen about a pay cut today, which he declined. The team then dealt him to the #Bears, who continue to load up. A wild offseason in Chicago.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024

All-around, this seems like a great bargain on Chicago's end, as while Allen is entering his age-32 season, he's on a manageable contract and should be able to keep his play at a high level for a couple more years given that his game is built upon craftiness and precision as a route runner, rather than sheer downhill speed. 

Alongside DJ Moore in Chicago, he forms one of the best receiving duos in the league, a perfect combination for whoever ends up starting for the Bears next year – whether it's Caleb Williams or Justin Fields. 

For the Bolts, this implies a selection of a wide receiver at No. 5 overall in the upcoming draft – presumably LSU's Malik Nabers.