Chargers stars push the front office to make move that is probably long overdue and will help out QB Justin Herbert immediately
The Los Angeles Chargers are keeping their eye on Keenan Allen. The veteran wide receiver met with the team on Friday, as both sides have interest in a reunion. Allen spent over a decade with the Chargers and became a fan favorite. Now, plenty of fans want to see him return to the organization. The […]
The Los Angeles Chargers are keeping their eye on Keenan Allen. The veteran wide receiver met with the team on Friday, as both sides have interest in a reunion. Allen spent over a decade with the Chargers and became a fan favorite. Now, plenty of fans want to see him return to the organization.
The depth at pass catcher for Los Angeles is unproven, albeit some exciting upside for KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris as rookies. Quentin Johnston remains in the fold as a player that the staff is rooting for at WR. Not to mention, rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has impressed during training camp so far. Regardless, an addition of Allen to the WR room makes all of the sense in the world for both sides.
Derwin James and Ladd McConkey talk Keenan Allen
James is a former teammate of Allen. He understands Allen’s work ethic and his connection to the Chargers fan base. James is a leader for the Chargers defense, so he is focused on the tasks at hand for his unit to find success. That being said, he did give nods of respect to the former Bolts wideout and clearly sees him as a valuable addition.
In a recent interview with Kay Adams, young Chargers WR Ladd McConkey said that he considers Allen “one of the best to ever do it” at the pro level. He clearly respects the longevity and upside that Allen has proven to have over the course of his career. Not to mention, these positive comments could help the team recruit Allen to join the roster as well.
After over a decade with the Chargers, Allen was with the Chicago Bears last season and found plenty of success. Allen actually had a dominant second half of the season and proved that he could still consistently produce at the NFL level. What would it look like if Allen and LA find a deal before this season starts?
Keenan Allen’s potential role in a return to LA
I discussed Allen’s potential role if he joins the Chargers roster with Chicago Bears beat writer Kole Noble. He got a first-hand look at Allen’s talent and presence last season.
The decision to not close a deal on a high-level pass catcher this offseason showed the Chargers felt confident in what the team already had in the building, which was a wide receiver room filled with a lot of inexperienced players.
While Ladd McConkey had a tremendous rookie season, even his excellent play wasn’t enough to turn the tide during the playoff game against the Houston Texans because of the inexperience in the rest of the room when it mattered most. Following Mike Williams’ sudden retirement, the overall experience at the position became even worse.
What the position truly needs is experienced leadership, not a legitimate #1 threat, and that’s something Keenan Allen can help add to this locker room.
How would Allen fit in with McConkey and the rest of this offense on the field? That’s where things get interesting. With McConkey and Allen, the Chargers can have two top targets who can play in the slot and make plays to move the chains. In Allen’s case, the difference is going to be his connection with quarterback Justin Herbert from a trust and reliability standpoint.
In 2024, Quentin Johnston led the Chargers with 16 receiving first-downs on third or fourth down while McConkey had 15. The season before, Allen led the Chargers with 24 such receptions catching passes from Herbert, which was the sixth-most in the NFL. Even with a new team and a new rookie quarterback playing in Chicago last season, Allen still had more first-down receptions on third or fourth down than Johnston and McConkey.
He’s still an extremely clutch and reliable player for his quarterback, which was something the Chargers’ offense desperately missed last season in critical situations. That, combined with his leadership in a young WR room, should make this reunion feel like a no-brainer. — Kole Noble, A to Z Sports
Bringing the former Chargers Pro Bowler back into the fold simply makes the most sense. Allen is a veteran presence who also creates notable depth at pass catcher for the Bolts. Plus, a reunion with Justin Herbert would be awesome for everyone involved.
