late thursday night, Los Angeles Chargers Sent WR Keenan Allen chicago bears The acquisition of a 2024 fourth-round pick marks the beginning of a new era for both the Bears and Chargers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Allen’s disagreement over a pay cut led to this deal, and the unfortunate cost of doing business is well over the cap.
of #charger Star WR Keenan Allen was approached today about taking a pay cut, but he declined. The team subsequently issued the following disciplinary action against him: #bear, who continues to load. A wild offseason in Chicago.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
What the Keenan Allen trade means for the Chargers
For the Chargers, this gives head coach Jim Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Greg Roman and general manager Joe Hortis the opportunity to build the offense they envision. The Chargers, who own the No. 5 overall pick, could actually start the draft at that position. Assuming the first four picks (QB, QB, QB, WR) go blank, Los Angeles could trade back to a team that needs a QB (cough, cough, Minnesota) and get more picks. can hold the key to drafting. Offensive roster needed in both playmaker and protection categories. QB Justin Herbert already has a huge contract, so this era of the Chargers offense needs to protect him and give him enough playmakers.
In a tradeback scenario, I think you have a few options. Chargers select Georgia TE Brock Bowers. oregon RT Talese Fuaga, Alabama RT JC Latham or Alabama CB Terrion Arnold. They all fit exactly what the Chargers need, and while they’re not wide receivers, they all fit their immediate needs and feel like things Jim Harbaugh’s team should be doing. However, if it stays at 5, it feels like the receiver is acting there. notre dame cathedral LT Joe Alternative
Strength of play is his biggest issue, and there are some concerns about Alto progressing from left to right, but he’s only 5 years old, which means he’s in the position of Washington WR Roma Odunze or a draft candidate. is. LSU If you really want it, go for WR Malik Nabors. The door is wide open for April.
What the Keenan Allen trade means for the Bears
This is arguably the Bears’ best move of the offseason outside of extending cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Sure, Allen is older and has a bigger cap hit, but when healthy, he can create instant separation in the middle areas of the field, combined with his big-play ability over the top of WR DJ Moore.
What’s really interesting about this is how this will affect the No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft. They plan to draft USC QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick. That feels like a foregone conclusion. The market for Justin Fields is quiet, but that doesn’t mean Chicago is using him as a starter at all.
But things get interesting when you get to 9th place. With the addition of Allen, the need for another receiver has diminished, but not completely eliminated. I wouldn’t be surprised if they drop to No. 9 and draft one of their top receivers. However, if Los Angeles stays at No. 5 and picks a receiver, Arizona will pick a receiver at No. 4 and New York will pick a receiver at No. 4. targeted the No. 6 receiver, and all of the top players were gone. There’s still a chance Chicago could designate a player like Penn State LT Olu Fashanu as its future left tackle and move Braxton Jones to swing tackle. Or you could go for his EDGE with a combination of players like Montez Sweat and his FSU EDGE Jared Verse. The important thing here is that you don’t have to get flocky and jump over the other team to get to the receiver. They are in a great position to either pick the best available or trade back to get more cap space.
Either way, this trade heralds a new era for both teams and should be very interesting heading into April.
