TRADE! Chicago Bears Acquire Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver Keenan Allen

The Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers have completed a blockbuster. According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Chargers are sending the Bears six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen in exchange for a fourth-round pick.

Scoopage… Bears have traded for WR Keenan Allen sending Chargers a fourth rounder. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 15, 2024

It's a staggeringly bold move by the Chargers, who just released fellow star pass catcher Mike Williams earlier this week. Allen was unquestionably their top receiver last year, nabbing 108 receptions for 1243 yards and seven touchdowns at an efficient 8.3 yards per target. Trading him spares the Chargers paying him his admittedly substantial $18.1 million salary but leaves them with a little over $11.67 in dead money.

There is some rationale for the Chargers' decision. The Chargers have a new face at the top of the organization in head coach Jim Harbaugh and are in a delicate cap situation. Allen will also turn 32 years old before the season starts, is in the last year of his contract, and has a long history of injuries. Still, it's hard to believe the Chargers will be able to improve on last year's 21st ranking in points scored without their two most talented, established wide receivers.

As for the Bears, they suddenly find themselves with one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league. So long as Allen can stay healthy and stave off the ravages of age, he'll be a deadly compliment to D.J. Moore, who piled up a career-best 1364 receiving yards at an excellent 10.0 yards per target in 2023, his first season with the Bears. If the Bears do indeed select quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, he'll have a rare opportunity to excel right away.