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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Alyssa Barbieri

Bears GM Ryan Poles explains why Keenan Allen is perfect for rookie QB

The Chicago Bears are preparing to usher in the Caleb Williams era as the 2024 NFL draft draws closer.

Williams is the presumptive first overall pick, and he’s been linked to the Bears since they locked up the top selection (courtesy of the Carolina Panthers). Chicago sealed the deal when they traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All things considered, Williams might just be coming into the best situation for a No. 1 pick quarterback in NFL history. The Bears have an ascending top-10 defense that was among the league’s best to end the 2023 season, along with some big weapons on offense and an improving offensive line.

One of the biggest new additions for Chicago is wide receiver Keenan Allen, who was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. General manager Ryan Poles believes Allen can be a young quarterback’s best friend.

“I don’t think there’s a better receiver in the league that can be better for a young quarterback in terms of understanding the NFL, timing, space, reading defenses,” Poles said of Allen. “So I think that’s a great addition.”

Poles has done everything possible this offseason to make this is an ideal situation for any incoming rookie quarterback. The addition of Allen will help open up Shane Waldron’s new offense in an exciting way.

“It balances the field with DJ (Moore) on the other side, Cole (Kmet) and (Gerald) Everett at tight end, (D’Andre) Swift at running back,” Poles said. “We have a lot of really cool things that can get going and allow us to be dynamic and really special.”

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