Bears WR Keenan Allen reveals no “emotional decision” made to reject the Chargers’ salary reduction

The Los Angeles Chargers new head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager, Joe Hortiz, are eager to retool the team. They have already made some big moves, including the release of wide receiver Mike Williams. Fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen was already grappling with injuries. However, fans expected the Chargers to sign Allen to a multi-year extension to reduce his cap hit.

Nevertheless, the Chargers shocked everyone by trading him. Contrary to speculation, Allen’s decision wasn’t driven by emotion but rather by a firm stance on his worth and performance.

Keenan Allen didn’t make “emotional decision” in Chargers-Bears trade

Keenan Allen’s trade involved the Bears acquiring Allen in exchange for a fourth-round pick. It came with an agreement for the Bears to handle Allen’s imminent roster bonus and negotiate a long-term extension.

The wide receiver clarified that the Chargers had approached him about a pay cut or contract restructuring, a request he vehemently opposed. The veteran, who is entering the final year of his current contract, mentioned his outstanding performance in the previous season as validation for his decision.

“It really was no emotion. I’m not doing it. I came off my best season. So it’s not happening,” Allen said via Sporting Zealot.

The football prodigy recorded 108 catches for 1,243 yards along with seven touchdowns in the 2023 season. He spent his entire career with the Chargers, and leaves behind a legacy as one of the franchise’s most prolific receivers, trailing only Antonio Gates in all-time receiving yards.

The Chargers successfully renegotiated contracts with other key players like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Joey Bosa was projected to join his brother Nick Bosa on the San Francisco 49ers squad. Both Joey and Khalil were projected to be traded but they later accepted pay cuts to aid the team’s financial situation. Allen opted against following suit, as his loyalty to his value and performance made the request for reduced compensation a difficult pill to swallow.

Multiple NFL teams approached Keenan Allen before joining Bears

Multiple NFL teams were vying for the talents of Keenan Allen before he ultimately joined the Bears. Allen revealed that both the Houston Texans and the New York Jets were in discussions regarding a potential trade for him.

“I only had like two teams. That had interest, Jets and Houston,” he said.

However, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, it appears that the discussions with the Jets were more casual. It was more of a chat than serious negotiations. On the other hand, the Texans made significant progress and came close to sealing the deal, although ultimately it fell through.

League sources disclosed that the Texans offered a 2025 third-round draft pick and a pick swap, demonstrating their eagerness to secure Allen’s services. The team was also willing to absorb Allen’s hefty contract, which included a substantial base salary and roster bonus. This indicates the Texans’ keen interest in bolstering their receiving corps to complement quarterback C.J. Stroud’s passing game.

The Texans have been proactive in enhancing their roster, particularly on defense. They already acquired talents like Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry in free agency. Despite trading away their first-round pick, they still possess valuable assets in the upcoming NFL draft, including two second-rounders and a third-rounder. Allen’s deal could have been more successful, but they have chances to make their offense more powerful.

Meanwhile, the Jets are exploring other options and are scheduled to meet with free-agent wide receiver Mike Williams. It remains to be seen whether they will continue to pursue additional receiving talent to aid Aaron Rodgers, returning from a season-ending injury, on the offensive side.