Keenan Allen’s Homecoming: NFL Star Returns to Chargers After Bears Chapter

Veteran Receiver Returns Home

Keenan Allen has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year, $8.52 million contract, marking a homecoming to the team where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career from 2013 through 2023.

2024 Season Performance

During his one-year stint with the Chicago Bears in 2024, the 33-year-old veteran proved he still had plenty to offer, recording 70 catches on 121 targets for 744 yards and seven touchdowns across 15 regular-season games. He finished the season strong, particularly impressing in Week 16 against Detroit with nine catches for 141 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets, leading the Bears in receptions, receiving yards and targets.

Future Role and Expectations

The reunion with quarterback Justin Herbert holds promise, considering their previous success together – in their last season as teammates (2023), Allen posted impressive numbers with 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. However, expectations may need to be tempered as Allen’s role could be different this time around, with Ladd McConkey established as the clear No. 1 receiver for the Chargers, and the team having invested a second-round pick in the 2025 Draft on Mississippi standout Tre Harris.

Veteran Leadership

Despite his age, Allen has shown he can still perform at a high level, maintaining strong numbers in target share (23.5%) and first-read share (28.8%), while his route running and separation skills have remained solid. The veteran receiver is expected to see his slot usage increase back to around 60% with the Chargers, up from his 54% rate last season, potentially creating favorable matchups in the team’s offensive scheme.