Key takeaways:
– Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles indicates that a new contract for wide receiver Keenan Allen may not be imminent.
– Concerns around Allen’s age and past injuries could potentially hinder a quick deal.
– Renewing Allen’s contract before the forthcoming season could offer the Bears the opportunity to add more talent to their ranks.
– An extension deal for Allen could create the flexibility needed for the Bears to pursue upgrades in the market.
Chicago Bears General Manager (GM) Ryan Poles recently immersed himself in speculation regarding a new deal for the wide receiver Keenan Allen. However, Poles has clarified that if such a contract is in the pipeline, it’s not likely to materialize any time soon.
Chicago’s Decisions on Keenan Allen
During Poles’ recent appearance on ESPN Chicago’s Waddle and Silvy Show on May 3, he was asked about a prospective deal for Allen, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. Poles’ responses were noticeably non-committal: “We’re just going to move ahead with the season and see what transpires,” he said, adding, “At the moment, there isn’t a great sense of urgency, but we’ll see how everything unwinds as we delve into the season.”
Worrisome Factors for the Bears
The primary issues that make the Bears wary about a potential deal for Allen revolve around his age and his recent history of injuries. Allen, who recently hit the age of 32, is set to play his 12th NFL season in 2024. His prior eleven seasons were spent with the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers franchise. Despite becoming a regular Pro Bowler over the latter half of his career, Allen’s recent injury record presents a concern for the Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears’ Prospective Plan
Despite his injuries, Allen’s impressive performance, bagging 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and 7 TDs in just 13 games, provides enough justification for a handsome new deal. However, the Bears, who sacrificed a fourth-round pick this offseason in exchange for Allen, might need additional assurances about his fitness before offering a new contract.
The potential of a Lockdown Extension
By restructuring the final year of Allen’s $80.1 million deal, Chicago could gain some much-needed financial wiggle-room. An extension now could save considerable costs and lower Allen’s $23.1 million salary cap hit in 2024, granting Chicago the latitude to look for further talent in the free agency market.
The Need for Team Reinforcements
Despite a successful draft wherein the Bears picked up key players like Caleb Williams and receiver, Rome Odunze, the team could use more resources in the offensive line. Shaving off some of Allen’s cap hit through an extension could grant the team the chance to bolster their line-up if suitable players turn up on the free-agent market.
In Conclusion
While speculation swirls around a new deal for Allen, GM Poles maintains a balanced perspective alongside open lines of communication with Allen’s agent. As the Bears prepare for their new season, decisions on Allen’s future will likely depend on his form, fitness, and their ambitions in the market.