The Los Angeles Chargers will soon watch one of their franchise greats suit up in another uniform in 2024, following Thursday night’s blockbuster trade involving Keenan Allen.
The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was officially traded to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round selection, per multiple reports. With Allen putting on a new jersey after an illustrious 11-season career with the Bolts, the NFL world couldn’t help but be stunned at Allen moving on.
‘Truly a Shame’ Among Notable Reactions From Keenan Allen Trade
Allen will leave the franchise with 904 career receptions, 10,530 yards, 59 touchdowns, and countless memories in the Chargers uniform.
By joining the Bears, he reunites with Chris Beatty — his past WR coach with the Chargers, who holds the same position in Chicago.
The NFL world is having a hard time digesting seeing Allen in a new uniform — including Chargers beat writer for The Athletic Daniel Popper.
Popper noted how, per a source, Allen was offered a pay cut to stay with the Bolts but refused.
“Truly a shame that Keenan Allen, one of the greatest players in franchise history, will potentially be finishing his career in another uniform,” Popper posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Truly a shame that Keenan Allen, one of the greatest players in franchise history, will potentially be finishing his career in another uniform.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) March 15, 2024
The Chargers released a statement shortly after the trade that was full of emotion but garnered a ton of feedback from fans frustrated and shocked by the news.
for all the slays,
and the plays,
and the memories.thank you, 13. 💙 pic.twitter.com/U2dpY6ZybO
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 15, 2024
“What Keenan Allen has meant to the Chargers for more than a decade cannot adequately be expressed through mere words,” Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos said in a statement.
“Keenan’s impact lives in the hearts of our fans, in the communities which he has served and amongst the countless teammates who have formed a brotherhood with him. There will only be one Keenan Allen, and we cannot thank him enough for the contributions he has made to our organization both on and off the field.”
Charger fans took it especially hard on social media, watching a longtime receiving leader leave.
“One of the greatest Chargers I’ll ever have the privilege of watching,” one fan posted.
Another fan was equally emotional watching Allen get dealt away.
“I don’t know how to process this, man. I didn’t think this was even under consideration whatsoever. Keenan Allen should’ve been a Chargers lifer. Major bummer,” the fan shared.
Idk how to process this, man. I didn’t think this was even under consideration whatsoever. Keenan Allen should’ve been a Chargers lifer. Major bummer.
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) March 15, 2024
Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback turned NFL Network analyst Chase Daniel couldn’t help but marvel at the Bears’ lineup of weapons for the ’24 season — saying how the Bears “aren’t messing around this offseason.”
Another former NFL player, ex-linebacker and FOX Sports personality Emmanuel Acho, declared Chicago the biggest winner here.
“New Bears receiver, Keenan Allen, is one of the best route runners in football. Because his game isn’t predicated on speed he’ll play at a high level for another several years. Since Allen came into the NFL in 2013, he ranks sixth in receiving yards. Chicago Bears y’all won!” Acho posted.
New Bears receiver, Keenan Allen, is one of the best route runners in football. Because his game isn’t predicated on speed he’ll play at a high level for another several years.
Since Allen came into the @NFL in 2013, he ranks 6th in receiving yards. @ChicagoBears y’all won! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2Zf9O35yQB
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 15, 2024
And, of course, one of the more vocal WRs on social media, Tyreek Hill, chimed in with what seemed like excitement for the new Bears weapons.
Justin Fields and Keenan Allen with DJ Moore oooo 🫨
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) March 15, 2024
Was Allen Heading Toward Franchise Records?
Here’s what’s considered more stomach-turning for Chargers fans who followed Allen’s career: He was on his way to shattering a pivotal franchise mark.
Allen needed just 52 receptions to pass Antonio Gates as the all-time franchise leader in career catches — Gates ended his career with 955 grabs. But there were other marks on which Allen was closing in.
Gates, who helped revolutionize the tight end position over a 16-year career, racked up 11,841 yards with the Bolts. Allen needed 1,312 receiving yards this season to pass him on the all-time Chargers list.
The 31-year-old Allen was proving that father time hadn’t caught up to him yet in ’23. Despite a rather dark season that saw head coach Brandon Staley get fired during the year, Allen still produced a career-high 108 catches.
But now, Allen is already giving fans new thoughts about Chicago having one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos. He will soon form a tandem with four-time 1,000-yard wide receiver DJ Moore.
“Pairing Allen with DJ Moore, who is coming off his best year as a pro, gives the Bears an opportunity to have the franchise’s best wide receiver duo since Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall…if it pans out, it could be the best WR duo in franchise history,” said ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin.
KEEP READING: Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Mock Draft
It also puts Allen in a place where USC star and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams could end up as his next quarterback. Allen’s trade becomes the latest wild offseason move for a Bears team that brought back PFN’s No. 1 free agent cornerback Jaylon Johnson and signed Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard.
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