Keenan Allen offers strong comments on future with Chargers
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
Keenan Allen has been the subject of trade rumors dating back to last offseason, but the Los Angeles Chargers star is not anticipating that he will land with a new team anytime soon.
Harbaugh spoke about his future with the Chargers during a brief interview with NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe at the Pro Bowl on Thursday. The veteran wide receiver was asked if he expects to return to L.A. next season to play under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Allen had a strong response.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said. “I don’t see myself going anywhere.”
“Yeah, absolutely. I don’t see myself going anywhere.”
My @nflnetwork 1-on-1 with 6-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen clear on his expectations for Chargers future + his early convos/message from new HC Jim Harbaugh. pic.twitter.com/5hTCp5eFtI
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 2, 2024
The Chargers will have to address some serious salary cap issues this offseason. They have 58% of their overall cap for 2024 tied up in four players: Allen, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Mike Williams. It is safe to assume all four will not be back.
Allen has a base salary of $18 million next season. We doubt the Chargers would give Allen assurances that he will be back given the situation. Though, he could work out an extension that lowers his cap number if he truly does want to remain in L.A.
Former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco took a hard stance against trading Allen last offseason, but it would be a surprise if the team does not at least explore the possibility in the coming months.
Allen was very productive last season and is still playing at a high level. He had 108 catches for 1,243 yards and 7 touchdowns despite missing four games. Even at age 31, he would likely draw plenty of interest on the trade market.