The Green Bay Packers didn’t add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. That very well could have been because the team is confident who is already on the wideout depth chart.
The Sporting News’ Dharya Sharma argued, though, that the Packers should still be in the market for a veteran receiver.
On Thursday, Sharma named four remaining free agents around the league Green Bay should target following the 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran wideout Keenan Allen made the list.
“Led by Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, the Packers boast an exciting, but young and mostly unproven wide receiver room,” wrote Sharma.
“Though receiver isn’t a pressing need, Gutekunst should look to add some experience to the position group, and Keenan Allen would be a nice fit.
“Allen is slowing down at age 34, but the six-time Pro Bowler is still highly productive. He snagged 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns last year, and would be a reliable security blanket for Love.
“Along with his savvy play style, Allen would be a fantastic mentor and veteran presence for a Green Bay receiver group filled with youth.”
If Allen signs with a team for the 2026 season, he will play his 14th year in the league. Allen has spent 12 of the previous 13 campaigns with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In 2024, though, Allen played in the NFC North as part of the Chicago Bears. He registered 70 catches, 744 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for Green Bay’s biggest rival.
Over his entire professional career, Allen has earned about $139.4 million according to Spotrac.
Allen has played 171 games in the NFL. He has registered 1,055 receptions, 12,051 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns.
Could Packers Pursue Veteran WR Keenan Allen?
As Sharma mentioned, Allen doesn’t have whole lot left in the tank. That’s likely why he remains unsigned in NFL free agency.
Allen turned 34 years old at the end of April.
But perhaps the veteran wideout has one or two solid years left in him. He’s coming off another 700-yard campaign last season, which was a return to the Chargers.
In 2025, Allen had 81 catches, 777 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Since 2017, Allen has made the Pro Bowl six times. His most recent All-Star season was 2023 when he had 108 receptions, 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
The 34-year-old has always been a possession receiver. But it is important to note that he doesn’t offer much in terms of big-play ability anymore.
When healthy, Allen is still a reliable target. But he averaged a career-low 9.6 yards per reception last season.
Packers WR Depth Chart Entering 2026 NFL Offseason Workouts
It’s hard for an offense to have too many playmakers. The Packers, though, may finally be where they want in terms of quality and quantity at wideout.
Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed and Savion Williams will all return for the Packers this fall. Those four wideouts were on last year’s roster along with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
It didn’t really prove to be the right mix. That receiver group was too focused on youngsters, and they probably cut into each other’s opportunities for development.
This offseason, Doubs left in NFL free agency, and Green Bay traded Wicks. The Packers signed former second-round pick Skyy Moore, but he’s a reclamation project more than anything.
If the Packers can add Allen too without blocking any of their young wideouts from deserved playing time or practice repetitions, then the veteran could be great depth. But Allen’s upside should give the team pause if he’s going to prevent one of the team’s young receivers from standing out among the group.
Packers Urged to Target Former Bears, $139 Million WR