There has been a debate among Chicago Bears fans about whether or not the team should attempt to re-sign Keenan Allen despite drafting Luther Burden. Early returns from the receiver have been far from consistent, leading to even more speculation. However, that must now come to an end with the news that Allen has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The veteran signed a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. In what is a loaded AFC West, it is a huge move for Jim Harbaugh's squad. For the Bears, at least it removes Allen from the conference if the pass catcher wasn't going to return.
Chargers signing WR Keenan Allen to 1-year, $8.52M deal. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/fv0RWgWnNE
— NFL (@NFL) August 6, 2025
Former Bears WR Keenan Allen Signs with the Los Angeles Chargers
Losing Allen hurts only because of the confidence Caleb Williams has in the veteran. The two shared a clear chemistry even as the star receiver was in a clear decline. Having the veteran presence and solid production was one of the few positive stories to emerge from the 2024 season.
The hope remains that Burden is able to continue to develop and emerge as a consistent third option. If this happens, there won't be any second-guessing of Chicago's decision to turn the page on the accomplished pass catcher.
It is easy to see how the Chargers had a higher sense of desperation for a reunion with Allen than the Bears. Veteran receiver Mike Williams retired after an 8-year career that was often defined by injuries. Losing Williams left a clear hole and all the pressure on second-year pass catcher Ladd McConkey. Bringing back Allen a year after parting ways makes sense for both sides. Los Angeles is clearly building something under Harbaugh, and Allen has long been an incredible piece for the franchise.
A reunion gives Justin Herbert a second reliable target at the position and offsets the concern created by losing Williams. In a division where three of the four teams made the playoffs last season, there is a high degree of urgency to find every possible avenue to improve. The Bears can relate to this, sitting in the exact same situation.
However, the difference for Chicago remains in already having plenty of depth at the position, and the hope that Burden turns into a key contributor. Allen and Chicago both made the right decisions moving on and finding new answers, or in the case of Allen, returning home to where the veteran has played every other season of his impressive career.