Former Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is arguably the best player remaining on the free agent market. A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Allen is coming off a strong debut season with the Chicago Bears. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the five-time Pro Bowler finished the season with 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 121 targets while providing a steadying veteran presence for rookie Caleb Williams.
Keenan Allen has struggled to find a new team despite his reliable production, and Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes he knows why. In a recent article, the NFL analyst said age is catching up to the former Charger and he might not have much left in his tank. While Benjamin adds that he’s still a good route runner, he’s not the same player he was even two seasons ago.
“Allen looked a step slow in his lone season with the Chicago Bears to start 2024, but he was a favorite target of Caleb Williams later on,” Benjamin writes. “His expertise is quarterback-friendly route-running, and he could make for a plug-and-play possession target.”
Keenan Allen “Lost A Step” – Suitors Could Still Emerge
Possible Fits
Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the somewhat-damning quote, Benjamin’s article pitches Keenan Allen signing with the Steelers. D.K. Metcalf has effectively replaced George Pickens as the top option in this passing attack, but they need another reliable receiver to support the present-day version of Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh has yet to record a losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin, but their inability to make it out of the Wild Card round is worrisome. Rodgers has the talent to lead this team into the playoffs, but he’ll need more support to consistently move the ball through the air.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, have a terrible offense and need all the help they can get. Former Denver Bronco Jerry Jeudy had a strong first season in Cleveland, but the rest of the depth chart needs some work. Whether it’s Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, or rookies Dillon Gabriel and/or Shedeur Sanders, the Browns quarterback will struggle to move the ball in their current environment. Allen won’t turn this team into a playoff contender, but he could help the young arms develop into a potential answer at the position.
New Orleans Saints
Just like the Browns, the New Orleans Saints have a much better chance at earning the first-overall pick than making a deep playoff run. However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t sign Keenan Allen. Second-round pick Tyler Shough will attempt to prove himself as the team’s franchise quarterback in 2025, and Allen will increase his odds of becoming the future in New Orleans. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are a fine duo, but both players carry injury risk. No rookie can succeed without receivers and a poor offensive line, so Allen’s presence could go a long way in determining Shough’s future.
Main Photo: Daniel Bartel
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