The Bears are in the market for playmakers to surround quarterback Justin Fields. And it sounds like a top wideout could become available.
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is set to have a cap hit of $21.7 million in 2023, according to OverTheCap. Where things currently stand, Los Angeles is $23.4 million over the $224.8 million cap hit set by the league. That means the Chargers could have some tough decisions to make this offseason.
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Allen is among the “most likely” cuts for the team this offseason. And it has everything to do with his price tag.
Allen signed a four-year extension in September 2020. He has two years remaining on that deal, which runs through 2024. The financial structure of Allen’s contract makes him a candidate to be cut, and this has very little to do with how good he is as a player.
The Chargers could save $14.8 million by releasing Allen as a pre-June 1 designation. Los Angeles could also explore a trade, but they’d have to find a team willing to give up compensation to take on the rest of Allen’s contract, which includes $15.5 million base salary and $3.5 million roster bonus in 2023 and a $18.1 million base salary and $5 million roster bonus in 2024, per Popper.
If Allen somehow becomes available, the Bears should be all over him. Chicago is estimated to have roughly $99 million in salary cap space, which is the most in the NFL by a wide margin.
While Allen missed six games due to injury last season, he still had 66 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. Allen, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been productive, when healthy, and would be a veteran presence in the Bears’ receiver room.
Allen, who will be 31 when the 2023 season begins, has eclipsed more than 1,000 receiving yards in five seasons with the Chargers, and he’s recorded 100 receptions in three seasons.
Simply put, he’s the kind of playmaker that Fields needs.
Bears fans think the team should be interested in Allen if he becomes available
Keenan Allen had an 84.8 PFF receiving grade in 2022 despite playing through some injuries and on a disjointed Joe Lombardi offense. That's better than Ja'Marr Chase
The Bears absolutely should be interested if he became available
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) February 6, 2023
Keenan Allen isn't my top WR choice for the #Bears because of age/injury, but he's the easy WR1 on the roster if they signed/traded for him.
They have the speedster in Mooney and the big body in Claypool. Few in the NFL get open as well as Allen, and that's what Chicago needs.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) February 6, 2023
I'd take Keenan Allen on the Bears if the Chargers
aspire to release him in an effort to clear cap space.Elite route runner and while he is a veteran who might not be their first choice guys in the building can learn from him while at the same time watch him go to work.
— Gave (@WhatGaveSaid) February 6, 2023
If Keenan Allen is a free agent that's far and away my favorite option for the Bears despite the health concerns
— man with 105 IQ (@pnutfinger) February 6, 2023
If the #Chargers are planning to move on from WR Keenan Allen, I'd love to see the #Bears get aggressive in pursuing him in a trade scenario/free agency.
Allen has proven to be incredibly productive when healthy over time in LA.
He could be a safety net for Justin Fields, too. pic.twitter.com/r6sx8baVp2
— Chris Maltby (@ChrisMaltbyBD) February 6, 2023
If the Bears snagged Keenan Allen to be their slot and drafted Jayden Reed to be their 4th/5th WR, I’d be ecstatic with the current WR room. https://t.co/sRlx7pNBIy
— Joseph Herff (@JosephHerffNFL) February 6, 2023
I’m seeing a lot of buzz on here regarding WR Keenan Allen to the #Bears during the off-season.
He’s an instant upgrade and would provide a true #1 for Justin Fields.
However, his medical history will be scrutinized heavily. And idk if GM Ryan Poles will be a fan of that.
— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) February 6, 2023
Keenan Allen instantly becomes the best WR in that room. However, regardless of contract, is it worth bringing in the oft-injured WR? The Bears need upgrades, but they have to be available. I’d rather spend money at OL and TE than Keenan Allen. #DaBears https://t.co/JY1AolAZTj
— Rob VanKammen (@RobVanKammen) February 6, 2023
If he's cut, Keenan Allen feels like the exact type of receiver the Bears need. Just a really reliable option with great hands who creates separation.
— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) February 6, 2023
All I’ve seen on Elon’s Twitter is discourse for and against Keenan Allen. To my 90+ followers I’ll say this on the subject:
The #Bears WR room and Justin Fields could use a veteran presence from a guy who’s produced consistently throughout his career, which Allen has done 🤷🏾♂️
— SikWitIt 😈😷 (@_sikwitit) February 6, 2023
