Chargers 'Stunned and Hurt' Keenan Allen During Contract Negotiations
Likely the most surprising part of the Los Angeles Chargers offseason was the team trading wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. The Chargers went into the offseason in negative cap space and knew they'd have to restructure the contracts or move on from players Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Allen.
The Chargers released Williams and were able to restructure both Bosa's and Mack's contracts early in the offseason. These moves made the Chargers cap compliant. Even with their cap issues resolved, the Chargers still aimed to renegotiate Allen's contract.
According to sources, this surprised the veteran receiver, who believed he wouldn't be expected to take a pay cut after having such a great season in 2023. Last season, Allen recorded a career-high 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. He made the sixth Pro Bowl of his career, and proved that a decade into his career, he was still producing at a high level for the team that drafted him back in 2013.
The Chargers and Allen tried negotiating on a changed deal, but the two sides could not agree on one. Ultimately, the Chargers traded Allen for a fourth-round pick. The move left Allen "stunned and hurt" according to sources. Allen had wanted to stay and finish his career with the Chargers, but the team would not "meet him in the middle," via ESPN's Kris Rhim.
Instead of staying with the Chargers, Allen is now having to adjust to the Bears. He has already been spotted sporting his new team's gear, wearing a Bears jacket at USC's Pro Day while talking to USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
