Los Angeles – Keenan Allen, the longest-tenured player for the Chargers, was traded to Chicago on Thursday night in exchange for a fourth-round choice. According to a person with knowledge of the situation who was not permitted to speak publicly about it, the team approached the wide receiver about taking a pay reduction in an attempt to free up salary-cap room. The Chargers chose to trade Allen because of his refusal, which helped the Bears. Allen, who will turn 32 in April, has caught 904 catches for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns in 11 seasons.
With his departure, quarterback Justin Herbert will no longer have his go-to, most dependable target. Additionally, this week the Chargers cut wide receiver Mike Williams and granted free agency to running back Austin Ekeler. Thus, Herbert’s supporting cast will look very different when the following season begins.
The team went over the wage cap by almost $25 million this week, and Williams’ release was had to comply by Wednesday at 1 p.m. PST. Then, according to numerous sources, the Chargers altered the terms of edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa in order to create more room, with both players agreeing to accept wage reductions. Since Allen refused to comply, one of the most audacious decisions was made possible by Joe Hortiz, the new general manager of the Chargers.
Allen became one of the league’s most dependable weapons after the Chargers relocated to Los Angeles. From 2017 to 2021, he only missed two games due to illness. He moved from being Philip Rivers’ favorite target to Herbert’s favorite place to be during that period. For many years, Allen’s skill on third down has been a mainstay of the Chargers offense.