Chargers' dream reunion is finally official: Keenan Allen is a Bolt once more

Keenan Allen laid the tea leaves earlier this offseason and the LA Chargers finally made it happen. After months of up-and-down speculation, Allen's homecoming is finally official as he has signed back with the Chargers.

Just one year ago the Chargers were forced to trade Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick to become cap-compliant. After an up-and-down season in Chicago with a rookie quarterback trying to find his footing, Allen is back where he belongs as he chases down the top spot on the Chargers' all-time receiving yards list.

Chargers re-sign Keenan Allen to complete homecoming

Whether or not the Chargers should have re-signed Allen was a hot topic among fans in the months leading up to the move. Those in favor of the move pointed out Allen's ability to gain separation and the obvious signs he still has something in the tank.

Sure, he may no longer be in his prime, but the comfort Justin Herbert will now have throwing to all of his wide receivers could not have been replicated any other way. Allen undoubtedly still has a lot to add to any NFL offense, even if he just becomes an outlet on third down and in the red zone.

Those against the move pointed out some schematic redundancies with sophomore wideout Ladd McConkey. While it is true that both players are their best in the slot, both Allen and McConkey can serve as a Z receiver who lines up outside.

Plus, with so much pre-snap motion in the modern game, having two receivers who are better in the slot is not as restrictive as it would have been 20 years ago. Signing a less-talented receiver to play the outside is an outdated thought and it is good to see the Chargers avoided that thought process.

Will Allen be as great as he was in 2023 for the Chargers? No. But the beautiful thing is the Chargers don't need him to be. McConkey should be the rightful No. 1 target with Allen, Tre' Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Quentin Johnston being resources for the team to lean on in times of need.

The Chargers didn't have anyone who could create legitimate separation outside of McConkey last season. Allen is a separation machine, and while Williams may not be, he at least gives the team a jump-ball receiver who Herbert trusts.

Let's not overthink this move. The Chargers are bringing back one of the best receivers in franchise history and have raised the ceiling of the offense by doing so. Instead of picking it apart for the minor ways in which it may be efficient, let's all celebrate that Keenan Allen is back where he belongs.