PAINFUL DEPARTURE : Chargers reportedly traded they super star to Bears for a 4th round pick due …..

Keenan Allen - Chicago Bears Wide Receiver - ESPN

The news is devastating for Chargers supporters. Since Philip Rivers retired, Keenan Allen has been the offensive line’s main engine. Although Justin Herbert is a distinctive leader in his own right, Keenan’s charm and confidence have served as reliable focal points for the attack. For this offense, Allen is one of the few players on the field whose absence is most noticed.

However, it appears like Keenan was asked about taking a wage reduction, just like Khalil and Joey Bosa, but he declined.

The fact that a trade was explored shouldn’t be a surprise. Allen is the ultimate security blanket for a young quarterback, with his cerebral approach to the game and ability to consistently great separation and allow a wider window for a quarterback to hit. It wasn’t surprising when news emerged yesterday that the Chargers were getting calls on Allen’s availability.

Adding insult to injury, Keenan Allen fetched a fourth round pick. He is coming off a stellar season, at one point was pacing himself for a career year before the combination of injuries and lack of team success made rest after Week 14 the best option. Had the Chargers retained Allen for the season, it was very likely he would have at least fetched a third round compensatory pick in 2026. Present day picks are certainly worth more than future picks, but the Chargers clearly aren’t getting much value for the absence of Allen in the 2024 season.