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Surprise Update on Keenan Allen's Bears Future Emerges

There is a surprising update on contract negotiations between the Chicago Bears and Keenan Allen.

By Joseph Grassano

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball ahead of Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball ahead of Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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One of the more surprising moves the Chicago Bears made this offseason was trading a fourth-round pick for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. The Bears acquired Allen because the Chargers had asked him to take a pay cut to stay under the salary cap. When Allen refused and requested a trade, the Bears seized the opportunity to add another bona fide receiving target.

While acquiring Allen will benefit the Bears this season, he has only one year left on his deal, which means they will need to offer him a contract extension if they want to retain him. Given that Allen wasn't willing to take a pay cut with the Chargers, it is assumed he will push for a sizable contract. Additionally, Allen is 32 years old and has some injury concerns. Nonetheless, if the Bears and Allen can agree on an extension, it would help solidify the core around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams going forward.

Following last week’s news that the Bears extended D.J. Moore, the only major skill position player not locked up long-term is Allen. According to a recent report from ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Allen and the Bears are still far from a deal.

"Allen recently changed agents, and with one year and $18.1 million left on his contract, he has approached the team about an extension. But so far, they haven't made progress on that front."

- Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler

Bears and Keenan Allen Still Far Away From A Contract Extension

Although the Bears have struggled as a franchise to have competent offenses, general manager Ryan Poles set a good offensive foundation this offseason. So, learning that Allen has approached the Bears to get a contract extension done isn't surprising. He clearly believes the Bears have the potential for success, as he's looking to get a contract extension done before he takes a regular-season snap with the team.

That is why the lack of progress on a contract extension between the two parties is somewhat surprising. However, as mentioned earlier, Allen might be looking for a big-money extension for an aging player, and the Bears' philosophy could be to wait and see how he plays this season and if he gets hurt. If Allen plays well and stays healthy this year, then the Bears might be more willing to give him an extension close to the one he wants.

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