Following the trade that sent Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, further details emerged regarding the deal’s mechanics.
Chicago traded a 2024 4th-round pick in return for the multi-time Pro Bowler. Allen had been requested to accept a salary reduction to create additional cap space for roster expansion. When Allen refused this request, the Chargers opted to part ways with their prominent player. Chicago seized the opportunity to acquire a proven talent in anticipation of quarterback Caleb Williams’ arrival.
There is no information on the duration of Allen’s availability on the trade market. However, according to reporter Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans offered a higher draft pick. Two notable changes were made to the deal: Houston proposed a third-round pick in next year’s draft along with a pick swap.
From the perspective of the Los Angeles Chargers, they may have preferred a younger player to hasten the rebuilding process this year. Alternatively, they may anticipate a favorable player being available to them in the fourth round.
In hindsight, one might question why the Chargers did not accept what many would consider a superior asset. If the offer had been solely the pick for Allen, it might have been sufficient. Pick swaps have become increasingly common in both the NFL and NBA. Nonetheless, the Chargers have parted ways with a player who amassed over 10,000 receiving yards and 59 touchdowns over the past 11 seasons.
With Allen now in Chicago and Mike Williams elsewhere, it is widely expected that the Chargers will select a receiver with the 5th overall pick in next month’s draft.
