Where veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen eventually signs carries significant implications, especially for fans of the Los Angeles Chargers. For years, Allen has been a key component of the Chargers’ offense, and his departure to a divisional opponent would represent an insult to the sting of losing him in the first place
The Chargers’ decision to release Allen last offseason, along with Mike Williams, was driven by salary cap constraints. While necessary at the time, this move now presents a potential opportunity for the Las Vegas Raiders to capitalize on Allen’s proven abilities.
Las Vegas Raiders Predicted To Steal WR From Los Angeles Chargers
Pro Football Network’s Mark Stolte suggests that Las Vegas is the frontrunner to sign Allen, pairing him with Jakobi Meyers and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. This potential move would provide quarterback Geno Smith with a reliable and experienced target.
“Keenan Allen did not look the part last season in Chicago, but a veteran quarterback and a new change of scenery could certainly help get him back on track. He is a smooth-operating route runner and could help mentor some of the younger pass-catchers on the team as well,” Stolte wrote.
Despite a 2024 season that was slightly below his usual output (70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games), Allen remains a highly effective receiver. His route-running prowess and ability to provide a security blanket in the short and intermediate passing game would be valuable assets to any team, particularly one within the division.
From the Chargers’ perspective, seeing Allen join the Raiders would be a bitter pill to swallow. After moving on from him due to financial reasons, the prospect of facing him twice a year in divisional matchups adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Stolte isn’t the only one to predict this. Last month, NFL.com’s Nick Shook predicted Allen would sign with Las Vegas, noting their need for a taller receiver to complement their existing receiving corps.
“When I watched the Raiders scrape together a few wins late last season, I was constantly reminded of how physically small their receiving corps was, with [Tre Tucker] and DJ Turner, both 5-foot-9, contributing a fair amount. Yes, they do have 2024 receiving leader, [Jakobi Meyers], who is 6-2, in the fold already, but with Turner hitting the market, why not bring another taller target in to help?
The 6-2 Allen knows the AFC West quite well, thanks to the many years spent with the Chargers. By the end of last season, Las Vegas felt like an afterthought, but by hiring Pete Carroll and acquiring Smith, the Raiders quickly shifted their identity and now appear focused on climbing up the NFL ladder, with a group of veterans leading the way. Adding Allen to the mix will be fun, I promise,” Shook wrote.
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