Keenan Allen makes big statement about his future with Bears

Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) looks on before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

After spending his entire career in California, wide receiver Keenan Allen was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Chicago Bears during the offseason. Though it has only been a few months, Allen appears to like what he has seen so far.

Allen has one year remaining on his contract, and on Tuesday, he signaled an openness to a long-term deal if the terms are right.

“I’m going to play as long as I can,” Allen said, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “As far as an extension, I’m going to let the play speak for itself, and if they offer me something that I like, we’ll go from there.”

Allen added that it “wouldn’t be hard to adjust to a city like this” when discussing his family, who are still living in California right now.

Allen is due $18.1 million this season. Though he just turned 32 in April, a good year could put him in line for a nice payday considering how much money high-end receivers are getting these days. There is no doubt that Allen is aware of that, since he refused to take a pay cut to remain with the Chargers.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen was good again in 2023, making 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.