Chargers trading WR Keenan Allen to Bears

The Chargers are not bringing the whole band back together, after all.

After retaining edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, many in Los Angeles thought Thursday was a major victory for the Chargers. Mike Williams had been released, but the other three stars with looming decisions were set to return.

Until Thursday evening, when FOX’s Jay Glazer reported that LA had traded Keenan Allen to the Bears for a fourth round draft pick.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport later added that the Chargers approached Allen about a pay cut, but he refused. Instead, Los Angeles shipped a franchise icon to Chicago.

Drafted in the third round in 2013, Allen had been a mainstay of the Chargers organization as they transitioned from the Philip Rivers era to the reign of Justin Herbert at quarterback. He went over 100 receptions in a season five times, including a career high 108 catches in 2023.

Herbert and Allen’s chemistry was unmatched during their run together, with Allen frequently the go-to option when plays started to break down. He exits as LA’s second-leading receiver in receptions and yards behind only Antonio Gates, as well as the Chargers’ third-leading receiving touchdown scorer behind Gates and Lance Alworth.

Allen leaves the Chargers with a franchise record-setting 108 receptions in 2023, ultimately his last stamp on a legacy that will land him in the Ring of Honor.

In short: this sucks.