The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads with six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen. Despite high hopes, Allen’s early-season injury struggles are forcing the team to reconsider their long-term plans for the 32-year-old. After a stellar career with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he caught over 900 passes for 10,530 yards, Allen’s tenure in Chicago has been less than ideal in 2024.
Allen started the season slow, catching just four of his 11 targets for 29 yards in the Bears’ Week 1 win. Since then, a lingering heel injury has sidelined him for the past two games. This injury has been an issue since training camp, raising concerns about Allen’s durability and effectiveness as he plays out the final year of his contract.
Bears Face a Difficult Choice with Allen’s Future
While Allen still has time to turn things around this season, the Bears front office must begin planning for the future. The team could choose to extend Allen if he returns to form, but there’s a growing belief that Chicago might look for alternative options in free agency. According to Bleacher Report’s scouting department, Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Chris Godwin has emerged as a potential target for the Bears if they decide to move on from Allen in 2025.
Godwin, who is in the final year of his $60 million contract with the Buccaneers, is expected to be one of the top free-agent receivers on the market. The 28-year-old has logged four 1,000-yard seasons in the past five years and has started the 2024 season strong with 253 yards and three touchdowns in three games. Bleacher Report noted that the Bears could use their projected $73 million in cap space next offseason to make a big push for Godwin.
Chris Godwin: A Viable Replacement?
Godwin’s strong start to the 2024 season makes him an enticing option for the Bears. He ranks third in the NFL with 21 receptions and seventh in receiving yards (253) after three weeks. His standout performance includes a 117-yard outing against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, showcasing his potential as a top target.
If the Buccaneers decide they can’t afford to keep both Godwin and fellow star receiver Mike Evans, Chicago could swoop in. Tampa Bay is projected to have just $28 million in cap space in 2025 and recently signed Evans to a two-year extension, further complicating their ability to retain both players.
The Rise of Rome Odunze: A Factor in the Bears’ Decision
The Bears’ decision regarding Allen or Godwin may also hinge on the development of rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. The No. 9 overall pick has been battling a sprained knee but showed flashes of his potential in Week 3, recording six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. If Odunze continues to rise, the Bears could be less inclined to invest heavily in another veteran receiver, knowing they have Odunze under contract for the foreseeable future.
The Bears are already set at No. 1 receiver with D.J. Moore, who signed a contract extension through 2029. If Odunze emerges as a strong No. 2 option, the team may prioritize other areas of need, such as offensive line, where several key starters could hit free agency in 2025.
What’s Next for the Bears?
The Bears must carefully evaluate how Allen performs upon his return. If the veteran receiver can stay healthy and contribute down the stretch, he could still earn an extension. However, with younger and more durable options like Godwin potentially available, Chicago might opt for a fresh start at the position in 2025. How the team manages its cap space, particularly with other pressing needs, will be a critical factor in this decision.
For now, Allen’s future in Chicago remains uncertain, and his ability to bounce back from injury will play a major role in shaping the Bears’ plans moving forward.
