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Chicago Bears Could Lose Key Weapon as Keenan Allen Eyes Free Agency
The Chicago Bears have entered a new era under head coach Ben Johnson, who was brought in to develop Caleb Williams and guide the team back to playoff contention. However, before Johnson has a chance to implement his vision, the Bears may face the loss of a key offensive weapon in free agency: wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason, Allen brought veteran leadership and experience to the Bears’ receiving corps. After signing a four-year, $80 million extension with the Chargers in 2020, Allen played out the final year of that deal in Chicago. While his 2024 season was underwhelming by his standards — 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games — Allen remains a proven talent with a stellar track record.
According to Blake Meek of TWSN, Allen is expected to leave Chicago and sign with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Meek highlighted Buffalo’s need for a more reliable receiving group, making Allen an ideal target.
“The Bills don’t have a great receiving group,” Meek wrote. “They traded for Amari Cooper during the season, and the trade never really worked out. Keon Coleman looks like he is going to be a solid receiver for them, but I’m not sure he ever becomes a number one option. The same can be said about Khalil Shakir. He is a good receiver, but as a number one option, he leaves some things to be desired. However, adding those two receivers to Keenan Allen gives them a strong three-man group that, while it may lack the elite number one receiver, gives them three receivers that defenses have to cover and pay attention to.”
Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler with 11,274 career receiving yards, remains one of the most dependable route runners in the league. He last earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and could see a resurgence with a quarterback like Josh Allen in Buffalo. The opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl could be a significant draw for the veteran receiver.
For the Bears, losing Allen would create a hole in their offense as they work to build around Caleb Williams. Replacing his experience and production won’t be easy, especially as the team continues to navigate a rebuilding process.
As free agency looms, all eyes will be on Keenan Allen’s next move. While the Bears would undoubtedly benefit from retaining his services, the allure of joining a contender like the Bills might ultimately sway the veteran wideout’s decision.
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