The lack of playoff success for the Los Angeles Chargers led to a soft reset last offseason. A coaching change to bring in Jim Harbaugh was the major move. But, even beyond him, the team made necessary changes to change the team’s structure.
A significant move was trading away star wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Chargers. In exchange, LA got the 110th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Keenan Allen-to-Chicago Trade Details
The line of thinking for the Chargers was simple. Despite having a superstar QB, Justin Herbert, the team was in desperate need of financial flexibility. As a result, the $23 million cap hit coming with Allen was one that created cap space.
With Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa already having cap hits of $25,595,000 and $26,111,667, respectively, the team had to make a tough decision.
The direct exchange between Los Angeles and the Bears was rather simple: Allen in exchange for a fourth-round pick. However, the Chargers did not end up making the selection with the 110th pick.
Instead, pairing it with the 37th overall pick (their own), they jumped to the 34th pick in a bid to get Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey. Further, a fifth-round pick, which became cornerback Tarheeb Still, also came their way.
McConkey, in particular, was a standout at the NFL Scouting Combine after winning two College Football Playoff National Championships in his three years with the Bulldogs.
How Have the Two Teams Fared So Far?
The name Keenan Allen was, for the longest time, synonymous with the Los Angeles Chargers. In terms of name value, there wasn’t much any Charger could compete with as the 11-year veteran became a staple of the franchise.
Across his 11 seasons with the franchise, he totaled 904 receptions for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns. He ranks second in franchise history in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns behind only tight end Antonio Gates.
As a result, the trade was a massive win for the Chicago Bears and their first-round pick, Caleb Williams. However, Year 1 has not gone according to plan.
The Bears are 4-10, with Allen himself struggling. Out of his fully healthy seasons, no year comes close to the 553 yards he has on the year so far.
His previous worst in a season where he played at least 14 games was 992 yards. A far cry from his general production, the decline has been a result of Williams’ growing rookie pains and an ineffective offense.
On the other hand, the Chargers have to be thrilled with their investment. The chance on McConkey paid off in a big way for them. Despite missing a game, the rookie is already up to 873 yards on 63 receptions.
His 13.9-yard average is elite, especially for a rookie. While it might take time to achieve the name value of Allen, McConkey has done a tremendous job of filling the void left by him.
Already, Los Angeles’ gamble looks to be a success. Further, the vast discrepancy in the two players’ contracts, allowing the Chargers to build out the rest of the roster, has them sitting at 8-6, with a fighting chance of making the playoffs.