Trading for Keenan Allen was absolutely a good decision by the Chicago Bears. Even at 31 years old, he is one of the most lethal route runners in the NFL. There is no reason to think he won’t be effective for at least two or three more years, especially now that he gets to play across from D.J. Moore. That said, the Bears do inherit one issue: Allen’s contract. As things stand, the six-time Pro Bowler has one year left on his deal, carrying a cap hit of just over $23 million. GM Ryan Poles has a decision to make.
There are two options on the table for the Bears. Perhaps the most likely (and preferable) is to work out a short-term extension with Allen, probably around two years. This would give him some long-term security and also allow Poles to even out his salary cap hit to something more manageable. If that isn’t possible for whatever reason, the Bears’ decision becomes easy. They let him walk in free agency. Some team is almost certain to sign him to a solid deal elsewhere, which would line Chicago up for a compensatory pick in 2026.
So they eventually get the pick back after renting the star for a season.
Keenan Allen has no reason to resist an extension.
The Bears put him in a good spot. He will get to play across from another star in Moore, which will make his life easier. On top of that, he is likely about to catch passes from a #1 overall quarterback. Presuming everybody is right about Caleb Williams, that should extend his career as a receiver even further. Most receivers like Allen, who are excellent route runners, tend to remain productive into their mid-30s. If he stays healthy, the Bears should be able to utilize him for their next quarterback’s first crucial few seasons.
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As to what a potential extension might look like for Keenan Allen. Fellow star receiver Mike Evans, who is a similar age, just signed a two-year deal to stay in Tampa Bay for $41 million. That is likely the ballpark the Bears are looking at. It would be a good deal for both sides. Allen is assured more guaranteed money while Chicago keeps him in place for at least two seasons. If that is how it works out, this could be a terrific trade. If it doesn’t, the Bears should still get a pick of some kind back.
