Six-time Pro Bowl WR wants to remain with Bears

Keenan Allen‘s Chargers tenure ended this offseason when he was traded to the Bears. In June, the veteran wideout said he would be open to a long-term Chicago contract, and that sentiment has not changed.

The 2024 campaign has not gone according to plan for the Bears, but recent weeks have showcased the team’s potential on offense with Caleb Williams at quarterback. Allen has played a central role in the Bears’ passing attack over the past three weeks, racking up 18 catches, 200 yards and three touchdowns. The six-time Pro Bowler is a pending free agent, and continuing that production down the stretch would help his market value.

As The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain writes, Allen wants to remain in Chicago beyond the current season. The Bears sit at 4-8 on the season, and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus have been dismissed. Allen and fellow wideout D.J. Moore were among the players who spoke out against Waldron after he was let go, and the offense has improved under Thomas Brown. Brown is now in place as interim head coach, but he will retain play-calling duties down the stretch.

Allen changed agents this offseason after his inability to land a new Chargers deal, which played a central role in the trade and sent him to Windy City. The six-time Pro Bowler is on track to reach a free agent market expected to be headlined at the WR position by Tee Higgins, and at the age of 32, Allen does not figure to receive much interest in a long-term accord from any suitor. The Bears also have Moore on the books through 2029, along with first-round rookie Rome Odunze as a projected staple on offense for the foreseeable future.

Despite that, Allen’s status as a veteran presence on an otherwise young Bears offense carries weight. If he manages to remain productive over the campaign's closing weeks, the team (set to be near the top of the league in 2025 cap space) could entertain talks on a new deal. From Allen’s perspective, that would be a desirable outcome.