Chargers Could Cut Keenan Allen; Falcons Interested?
The Los Angeles Chargers could find themselves forced to make a tough decision this off-season regarding the future of veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Allen could find himself as a leader for the Atlanta Falcons if the Chargers decide to cut him to save themselves $14.8 million in cap space this offseason, which could be a real possibility according to The Athletic.
Last season marked the first time in five years that Keenan Allen, 30, didn't make the Pro Bowl after a lingering hamstring injury limited him to only 10 starts. Allen was productive when healthy, recording 66 receptions, 752 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
For Atlanta, rookie wide receiver Drake London led the team with 866 receiving yards, 72 receptions, and four touchdowns.
Following a season in which they were the 2nd worst passing offense, expect the Falcons to consider all options possible as they try to balance their offense which favored the run.
Allen would provide the Falcons with not only his production, but also his leadership. Atlanta entered last season with many expecting that Kyle Pitts was going to make strides and assert himself as a top-tier receiving tight end with the likes of Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews, but instead, he saw his role decrease from his rookie season prior to tearing his MCL.
Back in 2016, Allen tore his ACL, limiting himself to only playing in one game, but upon his return, he posted his strongest season with nearly 1400 yards receiving. Having a veteran like him to help Pitts regain his rookie form and London’s development could be huge in establishing a healthy culture amongst the Falcons' young core.
Expect Atlanta to closely monitor what the Chargers do with Justin Herbert's No. 1 option this offseason.
You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter @IsaiahDDelgado.
Get your HOTlanta Falcons game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.
Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.
Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here