In the wake of Mike Williams’ surprise retirement, a thin Chargers wide receiver room has gotten even thinner. Most of the attention is going to Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin this offseason. He once again made headlines today by being a no-show for their conditioning test. While the Chargers would be thrilled to bring McLaurin to LA, they may be more likely to reunite with 6-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
Chargers’ Wide Receiver Corps Struggling Following Mike Williams’ Retirement
Star rookie Ladd McConkey established himself as a true No. 1 in 2024, but LA’s wide receiver room lacks depth. That’s especially true when it comes to the experience of their receivers.
McConkey broke Keenan Allen’s franchise rookie records for both receptions and receiving yards and racked up 7 touchdowns. But, outside of the standout rookie, the Chargers struggled to find a sure-handed No. 2.
Quentin Johnston led the team in touchdowns (8), but struggled once again with drops. Only 12 players finished with more drops last season, as he recorded 7 on 91 targets.
In just one season, McConkey racked up more yards and only two fewer touchdowns than Johnston has so far.
Elsewhere on the offense, LA could be reliant on several rookie pass catchers. Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have shown flashes this summer, including an acrobatic catch from Lambert-Smith this afternoon. But, we will have to wait another nine days until they can show it against another team.
It will be eye-opening to see what this receiving corps looks like against the Lions during the Hall of Fame Game next Thursday night. But, even with some young talent, the Chargers could always use a familiar face in the locker room. Especially one with over a decade of experience with the team.
Allen’s Return Would Provide Veteran Leadership, Depth for LA
While Knox believes that the Patriots may be a better destination for Keenan Allen, given their young quarterback, a reunion with the Chargers “would also make sense.” The Chargers’ lack of a veteran presence at receiver may not be the most pressing issue. But, it certainly leaves a glaring hole on the roster.
Allen can show the rookies how to master different routes and how much work it takes to maintain consistent performance. The six-time Pro Bowler spent his first 11 seasons with the Chargers before heading to Chicago last offseason.
During his stretch of five consecutive Pro Bowls between 2017 and 2021, Allen averaged over 100 catches for nearly 1,200 yards and over 6 touchdowns per season. Last year was a down year statistically, but he still managed to rack up 7 touchdowns. He also served as a veteran presence in a Bears locker room that desperately needed one.
“Keenan Allen may not be the top-tier playmaker he once was, but he showed last season that he’s still a capable high-volume pass-catcher,” Knox wrote.
He gelled well with rookie Caleb Williams, the Bears decided to invest through the draft and a couple of low-risk free agent signings. While the Chargers moved in a similar direction, drafting a couple of pass-catchers and signing fifth-year tight end Tyler Conklin, their lack of depth is more concerning at this point.
“Make no mistake, Allen can still be a solid contributor and an experienced leader in the right system,” Knox continued.
Plus, with a plethora of cap space available, the Chargers would not have to worry about breaking the bank to bring Allen back. Spotrac calculates his market value at just over $11 million per season. So, a two-year deal may only cost them around $22 million total.
Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen have already shown what they can do together, as Allen earned a Pro Bowl nod in three of their four seasons. The Chargers offense looked like a team desperate for a veteran leader during their playoff loss against Houston. Keenan Allen could be that leader.
Chargers Urged to Reunite With 6-Time Pro Bowl Wide Receiver