Key Takeaways:
– The Chicago Bears can secure a top-notch receiving trio by extending Keenan Allen’s contract.
– The front office gets universal praise for acquiring Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers.
– A potential extension depends heavily on Allen’s age, injury history, and the upcoming season’s performance.
The Chicago Bears witnessed one of the most exciting off-seasons within the NFL. Central to this development has been acquiring star receiver, Keenan Allen. Now they are tasked with ensuring they keep him on the team by renewing his contract.
Allen’s Acquisition and its Impact
The Bears gained wide popularity when they traded for Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers. The exchange was on reasonable terms, with the Bears trading a fourth-round pick. Adding Allen to the line-up creates a potential leading pass-catching trio in the NFL. This trio would go a long way in enhancing the skills of Caleb Williams, the first overall draft pick and starting quarterback.
However, the excitement is muting out due to concerns about Allen’s contract. The star player only has one season left on his four-year, $80.1 million agreement. This situation potentially transforms him into a free agent by March 2025. Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler, on June 23, marked contract extension as a “critical” task for the Bears this summer.
Age and Injury – Factors to Weigh
Though Allen, at 31, might be considered a veteran, he performs brilliantly. As the oldest member of Chicago’s receiving corps, extending his contract could promise the Bears a first-rate trio. This trinity of receivers could dominate the football scene for years to come.
Despite being lauded with Pro Bowl honours in 2023, Allen’s injury history might present some reluctance in offering a new deal. His consistent absence due to injuries even led to missing the Pro Bowl in 2022. The Bears will likely wait to see how Allen fares in health and performance among teammates Moore and Odunze before negotiating a new contract.
Strong Performance Despite Setbacks
Despite his health setbacks, Allen’s performance has been imposing. Back in 2023, playing just 13 games, he gathered 108 catches clocking up 1,243 yards with 7 TDs. Noteworthy too is the fact that the only time in the last seven years, that Allen did not get selected for the Pro Bowl was when injuries cost him seven games in 2022.
Yet, his career’s next path relies heavily on his physical condition in the upcoming season. If teams believe that he is in good shape, the Bears could present an offer during the season. It would also give the team doctors a better understanding of his overall health.
The Emerging Odds with New Players
As exciting as Allen’s return might be, the Bears will still need to see how he fits in with Moore and Odunze. Rome Odunze, a newcomer to the NFL, had an outstanding NCAA season, with a leading 1,640 yards at Washington. DJ Moore had a phenomenal year as well with 96 catches, 1,364 yards and 8 TDs, but missed a Pro Bowl selection.
Expectations and Realities of an Extension
Both Allen and the team’s representative, Ryan Poles, acknowledge the possibility of a contract extension. While Allen was enthusiastic, Poles pointed out they would wait and observe how the season unfolds before making a definitive decision.
In conclusion, the upcoming season becomes crucial for the Chicago Bears. Extending Allen’s contract could ensure a strong line-up for the team, but the decision hinges heavily on the player’s performance and health. With eyes on the Bears, we wait to see how this will pan out in the coming months.