While Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins have secured contracts, several seasoned wide receivers in their 30s remain free agents. Notably, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, and Keenan Allen are still available. The WR, in particular, has been linked to a potential reunion with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed interest in bringing him back, describing the prospect as “cool” and acknowledging its possibility. Despite re-signing Mike Williams, the Chargers still seek additional talent at wide receiver to complement new No. 1 target Ladd McConkey.
his departure from Los Angeles was marked by tension, as he was reportedly blindsided by the team’s request for a pay cut before being traded to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick. Nevertheless, he, who ranks second only to Antonio Gates in Chargers’ history for receptions and receiving yards, has shown openness to returning. Late last season, reports indicated that Keenan Allen was considering either staying in Chicago, returning to Los Angeles, or retiring. While other teams, such as the Denver Broncos, have been mentioned as potential fits, no substantial connections have emerged.
The Rams addressed their wide receiver needs by signing Adams, and the Bears did not make a known effort to re-sign Allen before he entered free agency. As Allen approaches his 33rd birthday, he continues to deliver strong performances, including six 1,000-yard seasons, with 1,243 yards in 2023. Even during a challenging offensive year, he managed 744 yards.
Considering the Chargers’ current roster, integrating Allen poses questions, especially with McConkey emerging as a promising slot receiver. Allen has experience playing both inside and outside positions, but the team might benefit more from an external player to create space for McConkey. Given the team’s current wide receiver composition, it’s uncertain if the Chargers would offer Allen a contract exceeding $10 million annually. Allen previously signed extensions with the Chargers in 2016 and 2020, valued at $11.3 million and $20 million per year, respectively. Considering their past parting on less-than-ideal terms, it remains to be seen if Allen would entertain a return at a reduced salary.
As teams shift focus toward the draft, Allen and Lockett are unlikely to secure guarantees comparable to those received by Adams ($26 million), Kupp ($17.5 million), and Diggs ($16.6 million). Nonetheless, both players are expected to find new teams, provided Allen chooses to continue his career. Harbaugh noted that quarterback Justin Herbert was pleased with Williams’ return, and it’s plausible that Herbert would welcome Allen back as well. However, the Chargers signing two wide receivers in their 30s might be a stretch.
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