Chargers News: Jim Harbaugh Speaks on Keenan Allen Trade

James Brizuela | Mar 25, 2024

Verizon Press Conference at Verizon LIVE at Super Bowl LVIII / Mike Coppola/GettyImages

The Los Angeles Chargers made a big decision in trading perennial WR Keenan Allen to clear cap space. Initially, Allen was stated to have refused a pay cut, resulting in his being traded to the Chicago Bears.

There had been some drama about Allen refusing a pay cut and being traded, with GM Joe Horiz stating that multiple contracts were produced to keep the WR in-house. Allen's agent came out refuting that report, revealing that his client (Allen) had only received one offer but refused it.

Regardless of the situation, Allen is now playing for the Bears. During the owner's meeting, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh was asked about how the entire situation wiht Allen went down.

Jim Harbaugh on Keenan Allen:

“It’s the business part of it. And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, [you] make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know, who’s got it better?”

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) March 25, 2024

Harbaugh simply stated that the Allen being traded was the "business part of it." The "IT" in that situation is something that a lot of players know. The business side of the NFL can be ugly at times, and Allen being traded was just part of the Chargers having to make decisions for their future.

Allen may have put up 1,243 yards and 7 TDs, but he is also going to be 32 years old by the time the 2024 season rolls around. He is still playing at a high level, but that does not mean it will last forever.

The Chargers have Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer to continue to mold. They are also in an advantageous position to land a big-time playmaker via the draft. They currently own the #5 overall pick and have been tied to Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers, and Washington's Rome Odunze.

Each of these receivers will help boost the offensive attack of the Chargers. They also freed up plenty more cap space to sign a proven veteran. We imagine the Bolts will take a look at current Bengals WR Tee Higgins.

Despite Hortiz worrying about the personnel side of things, Harbaugh might have also had his hand in allowing Allen to play for another team. Either that, or he is far less concerned about the business aspect of the NFL and far more concerned about getting his players ready to compete in the AFC. We assume the latter is true.