What Keenan Allen trade means for the Bears and Chargers Revenge of the Birds

 

A new era for the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers began late Thursday night when WR Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears for a 2024 fourth-round choice. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Allen’s reluctance to accept a compensation decrease prompted this agreement, and that the regrettable overhead is significantly higher than expected.

What the Chargers stand to gain from the Keenan Allen trade

This offers general manager Joe Hortiz, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Chargers the chance to mold the offense in their own. The Chargers have a genuine chance to start the draft at their position with the fifth overall pick in hand. Los Angeles can control the draft by trading back with a team that needs a quarterback (cough, cough, Minnesota) and accumulating additional selections to assemble an offensive lineup that needs playmakers and protection. This is assuming that the first four picks (QB, QB, QB, WR) go undrafted. Since quarterback Justin Herbert has already received a large contract, the Chargers offense in this era needs to protect him and provide him with enough playmakers.

What the Bears stand to gain from the Keenan Allen trade

 

In what could be considered one of their top offseason moves alongside extending CB Jaylon Johnson, the Bears have made a significant acquisition in Allen, despite his age and substantial cap hit. His ability to generate immediate separation in the intermediate field, combined with WR DJ Moore’s deep threat prowess, adds a potent dimension to their offense.

This trade also impacts their draft strategy at No. 9. While the consensus seems to be drafting USC QB Caleb Williams at No. 1, the situation with Justin Fields remains uncertain. However, with Allen onboard, the urgency to draft another receiver diminishes, although it remains a consideration. Should the top receiver prospects be off the board by their pick, alternatives like Penn State LT Olu Fashanu or FSU EDGE Jared Verse become viable options to bolster their roster. Importantly, they no longer feel compelled to aggressively pursue a receiver, affording them flexibility to select the best available talent or explore trade opportunities.

Overall, this trade signifies a new chapter for both teams, injecting intrigue into their prospects leading up to the April draft.

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