Bears Eye Trade: Swapping Keenan Allen for Promising Eagles OL Could Rebuild Offensive Line
As the Chicago Bears look to solidify their roster in the 2024 season, the recent acquisition of veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has given rookie quarterback Caleb Williams a reliable target alongside DJ Moore. However, with trade rumors swirling and a deep offensive line market in Philadelphia, could the Bears consider a surprising move involving Allen?
The Current Situation in Chicago
Allen, who joined the Bears this offseason, is in the final year of his $80 million contract, carrying a cap hit of just over $23 million this season. While he has shown flashes of brilliance—most recently with a two-touchdown performance in Week 6—Bears general manager Ryan Poles is always on the lookout for young talent, particularly offensive linemen.
Peter Schrager of NFL Network has mentioned Allen as a potential trade candidate, raising eyebrows across the league. While it’s unlikely the Bears would part with their new offensive weapon, exploring trade opportunities could be part of Poles’ strategy, especially if a young prospect like Tyler Steen from the Philadelphia Eagles becomes available.
What Could a Trade Look Like?
Bears Receive:
– Tyler Steen (Eagles OL)
– 2024 4th round pick
Eagles Receive:
– Keenan Allen (Bears WR)
The Rationale Behind the Trade
For the Bears, this move would signal a commitment to rebuilding and long-term development. While Allen is a productive receiver, swapping him for a young offensive lineman like Steen could be a savvy strategy. Steen, a 2023 draft pick known for his versatility at both guard and tackle, has shown promise as a depth player on one of the league’s best offensive lines. His statistics speak for themselves: in 100 pass rush snaps, Steen has allowed only one pressure and seven hurries, indicating solid potential for future growth.
Additionally, the fourth-round pick would give Poles extra ammunition to further bolster the team’s roster, especially as they work to build a stronger offensive line to support Williams. With young receivers like Rome Odunze and Tyler Scott already on the roster, the Bears could shift their focus towards developing their offensive line for a more sustainable future.
Why the Eagles Might Bite
The Philadelphia Eagles, known for their formidable offensive line, might still find value in adding Allen to their ranks. With wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith already in place, Allen could serve as a dependable option for quarterback Jalen Hurts, particularly in short-to-medium yardage situations. Given the unpredictable nature of the NFL season, acquiring a proven talent like Allen could be a game-changer for a team eager to make a return to the Super Bowl.
By trading away Steen, the Eagles could afford to strengthen their receiving corps without significantly weakening their offensive line depth. As they continue to push for a championship, adding a veteran presence like Allen could be exactly what they need to complement their existing talent.
Conclusion: A Tough Decision for the Bears
While this trade proposal presents intriguing possibilities for both teams, it ultimately raises the question: Would the Bears really part with a player they signed to support their rookie quarterback? Allen’s recent performance suggests that he is still a key component of the Bears’ offensive strategy, and it may be too early to throw in the towel on a player who could thrive alongside Caleb Williams.
For now, the speculation will continue, but it seems that Keenan Allen is likely to remain in Chicago, at least for the immediate future. The Bears’ front office may prefer to see how this season unfolds before making any drastic changes, keeping Allen as a crucial security blanket for their promising young quarterback.
