A wildly disappointing year for the Chicago Bears has hurt Keenan Allen’s stock around the NFL. However, despite below-average quarterback play from Caleb Williams, Allen had a solid season all things considered, and for a potential contender, he could be an intriguing offseason addition.
Why Keenan Allen Is Appealing to Teams
After Tee Higgins received the franchise tag from the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen became one of the top wide receivers available. Last season, he recorded 744 yards over 15 games, averaging 10.6 yards per catch.
Allen also had seven touchdowns on a Bears offense that ranked third-worst in the NFL, according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. As a result, the six-time Pro Bowler landed 29th on PFSN’s Top 100 Free Agents list, with Ben Rolfe listing some positive takeaways from Allen’s season.
“Allen was also only targeted on 22% of his routes, the fewest since his rookie season in 2013. A surprising level of red-zone production goosed his touchdown total (seven), but that belies his actual impact in the Bears’ offense.”
Rolfe also believes a move is likely, especially with several teams looking to add a key playmaker this offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders
This fit makes even more sense after the Las Vegas Raiders added Geno Smith to the roster. Yet, the Raiders had one of the worst offenses in the league last season, and it wasn’t just because of quarterback play.
Las Vegas finished just one spot ahead of Chicago in PFSN’s offensive rankings. Outside of Jakobi Meyers, no wide receiver topped 550 yards, thus making Allen a significant upgrade to the Raiders’ receiving corps should he join.
With Smith, who threw for 4,320 yards last season, Allen could form a dangerous duo in Nevada.
Dallas Cowboys
Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys lack offensive playmakers. Even with Dak Prescott’s injury, the offense struggled, finishing in the bottom 10.
Lamb seems aware of the issue, posting on X about the need for more weapons, and Allen could slide in seamlessly. More comfortable in a WR2 role now, he would provide immediate help to a thin receiving group.
Allen’s 744 yards would have ranked second on the Cowboys last season by a wide margin. With Rico Dowdle’s continued growth and potentially a first-round pick at wide receiver, adding Allen could put Dallas in a strong position under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Kansas City Chiefs
Allen might be this year’s JuJu Smith-Schuster or DeAndre Hopkins.
Every year, a veteran wide receiver joins the Kansas City Chiefs to make a deep playoff run. And after a rough Super Bowl performance, Kansas City needs reinforcements. Rolfe also predicts Allen will land in Kansas City.
“In Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have two starting wide receivers. However, they could do with a reliable veteran option to complement them.”
MORE: PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agent Rankings
Allen would be a safe, experienced target. Last year, Travis Kelce led the Chiefs in receiving yards with 823, and his potential retirement was a topic of discussion early in the offseason. Adding Allen could be a major boost — if he can overcome the rivalry hurdle.
“The biggest question mark with Allen is whether he would feel comfortable playing for the Chiefs, given the rivalry between the Chiefs and his former team in Los Angeles,” Rolfe pointed out.
Los Angeles Chargers
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The Los Angeles Chargers had the NFL’s top-scoring defense but fell short of expectations in Jim Harbaugh’s first season. A disastrous playoff loss, fueled by Justin Herbert’s four interceptions, ended LA’s season in heartbreak.
It was clear against the Houston Texans that the Chargers needed more playmakers. Ladd McConkey had an impressive rookie year, but Los Angeles must build around him.
That’s where Allen fits in. Once the face of the franchise, he spent 11 seasons with the Chargers, making six Pro Bowls, scoring 55 touchdowns, and amassing over 10,500 yards.
A reunion could make sense, as the biggest reason for his departure was his contract. Now 32 and coming off a down year, Allen won’t command as high of a salary.
Buffalo Bills
During their final two playoff games, it became clear that the Buffalo Bills needed more explosiveness on offense. That led to underwhelming performances against the Baltimore Ravens and Chiefs, with the latter ending their season.
Buffalo brought in Amari Cooper, hoping to fix that issue, but a conservative game plan and lack of chemistry with MVP Josh Allen limited his impact. Now, change is necessary.
While much of the focus is on a defense that fell outside the top 10 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric, the Bills must also address the wide receiver room. And despite his flaws, Keenan Allen would be a strong addition, especially on a lower-cost deal.
Getting really frustrated and disgusted with Patriots Coaching/Management. I’m reading about all these other teams securing talent in the office season. Not seeing anything from Patriots new Coach. What are we doing Mike. I figured you would of had at least one WR coming to new England. Absolutely nothing. Please don’t make 2025-2026 another down year. The fans have been more than patient with the organization. Why haven’t we made any moves to either protect Drake May or give him some talent to throw to. This is really getting old Mike. I honestly thought when you came onboard things were going to happen. And quick. ???