Keenan Allen: Everything you need to know

GM Joe Hortiz noted Thursday on the 'Up & Adams' show that the "door is not closed" regarding a possible return to the Chargers by Allen, Eric Smith of the team's official site reports. Allen, who caught 81 of his 122 targets for 777 yards and four TD in 17 regular-season games with Los Angeles in 2025, remains unsigned at this stage of the offseason. For now, Hortiz said that the Chargers are "in a spot where we're looking at the roster and letting (the team's) young guys get a chance. But I've had some communication with Keenan's representation and we've talked." As things stand, Tre' Harris, Brenen Thompson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Derius Davis are in line to compete for WR targets that don't go to Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

Allen had three receptions on eight targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round. Allen suffered a disappointing end to his return to the Chargers in 2025 when he finished Sunday's playoff loss with a catch rate below 50 percent. The 33-year-old wasn't on the same page with QB Justin Herbert like they were during the regular season when the duo connected on 66 percent of their attempts, resulting in a 81-777-4 receiving line for the veteran receiver. Allen will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, so the future Hall of Famer will be in control of his destiny should he decide to return for a 14th season.

Allen finished with seven receptions on 13 targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Broncos. Allen was one of the few starters head coach Jim Harbaugh allowed to suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale against Denver. The 33-year-old Allen responded to last week's one-catch performance by leading his club in targets, receptions and yardage with backup QB Trey Lance under center. Allen produced solid PPR numbers in his return to the Chargers this season, accruing 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. Look for Allen to serve as a security blanket for QB Justin Herbert against the Patriots in the wild-card round of the playoffs next Sunday.