Jim Harbaugh Gives Keenan Allen Reality Check After Trade
New head coach Jim Harbaugh had big decisions to make when he took over as the lead man for the Bolts. Big-named players like Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack all had massive cap numbers in 2024 so the Chargers had to make decisions.
Los Angeles ended up restructuring both Mack and Bosa, releasing Williams, and trading Allen.
Reports emerged that the Chargers asked Allen to take a pay cut but he declined which led to him getting moved. The former California standout is slated to make $23 million in 2024 with the Chicago Bears.
The NFL owners' meetings are happening down in Orlando, Florida, and Harbaugh was asked about Allen. The 60-year coach responded by saying, "It’s the business part of it. And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, [you] make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know, who’s got it better?"
Jim Harbaugh on Keenan Allen:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) March 25, 2024
“It’s the business part of it. And everybody does what’s in their best interest. And Keenan, I mean, [you] make $23 million a year and play in Chicago, you know, who’s got it better?”
Chargers News: Jim Harbaugh Makes First Public Comments Since Keenan Allen Trade
The Chargers were in massive cap trouble before deciding to move off of Allen. Harbaugh loves to have the more physical and commanding team so you can see why they moved on from Allen for cap purposes.
From the 32-year-old's perspective, why would he want to take a pay cut? He's coming off his best year, logging career-highs in receptions (108) and receiving yards (1,243).
Of course, he still wants to be paid like one of the best playmakers in the league but it just couldn't happen in Los Angeles.
Harbaugh pokes at Allen a bit saying he's getting paid well while being in a great city like Chicago so what's there to complain about?
No one knows the nature of the conversations that happened behind closed doors but both sides will have a fresh start in 2024.
Regardless, the Chargers need to continue adding talent to improve their chances of winning the division to catch the Kansas City Chiefs but according to FanDuel Sportsbook, Los Angeles is +370 underdogs to win the AFC West. 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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