Chargers Put Blame on Keenan Allen for Trade to Bears

The Los Angeles Chargers shipped out Keenan Allen but what really happened behind closed doors?

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13)
Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) / Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz leading the charge for this organization. Over the past two months, a lot of change has happened in Los Angeles.

They restructured contracts on both edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, released WR Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler while also trading away WR Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 fourth-round pick.

The trade with Allen came as a shocker, especially with the value they received on the deal but Hortiz gave some insight into what happened prior to the trade.

He said the Chargers offered the six-time Pro Bowler multiple contract options, including an extension before the trade to the Bears.

Chargers News: Los Angeles Gave Keenan Allen Options Before the Trade

No one knows what really went on behind closed doors but Hortiz is giving the public some information.

Allen was slated to have a $34 million dollar cap charge in 2024 and the Chargers needed relief to get under the salary cap before the new league year began.

So it makes sense why they gave him multiple contract options and asked him to take a pay cut. When Allen said no, they likely offered him an extension but maybe the AAV wasn't up to Allen's liking.

The two sides couldn't find a middle ground and the former California standout was traded away. Now the Chargers WR room features Quentin Jefferson, Joshua Palmer, and Jaylen Guyton.

There are blue-chip prospects in this draft and the Chargers will have a tough decision to make with the fifth overall pick. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Malik Nabers (+210) is the favorite to be the selection. If you want to take lock-in of these odds, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your sign-up bonus.

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