When the Jim Harbaugh regime came to LA during the 2024 offseason, they quickly made several changes to the roster that seemed a bit controversial. The most nerve-wrecking moves were deciding to move on from Justin Herbert's most trusted weapons since he was drafted, in WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler, even if fans would argue it might have been time to do so.
Both were creeping up in age and may not have been as productive as they used to be, so it wasn't surprising that Harbaugh and Co. felt Herbert needed new talent around him. The problem was that they didn't exactly accomplish that too much in free agency or the draft, besides the excellent signing of Ladd McConkey.
That inevitably led to the re-signing of Mike Williams this offseason, who had been a longtime Charger until the 2023 season. That fueled speculation that perhaps a guy like Allen would be back, too, despite having an impressive lone year with the Bears.
Plenty has suggested that could be in the works this offseason, with Williams making the not-so-subtle push to bring him back on the team, and until now, it didn't seem like a real possibility. But the latest update from the Bears has made it seem like the inevitable future, whether fans like it or not.
The Bears appear to have moved on from Keenan Allen already after just one season
If we needed any sign that Allen would not be returning to Chicago for the 2025 season, it looks like we just got it.
That update came in the form of an announcement that receiver Maurice Alexander would be taking jersey number 13 for the upcoming season, which is the number Allen had with the team last year. That is a significant indicator they have no plans to bring him back, opening the door for his triumphant return to LA as soon as possible.
Chicago Bears WR Maurice Alexander is wearing number 13. Last assigned to Keenan Allen. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/OMgsx6ODqa
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) April 7, 2025
This is just the latest smoke to a seemingly burning fire regarding Allen's expected return, as even Harbaugh didn't shut down the idea when speaking to reporters last week. Considering he was a big part of why he played elsewhere in the first place, that's a big shift in opinion from just one year ago.
Although it could easily be argued that Allen needed to go when he did, adding him back to the offense for Herbert to work with is a stronger idea than continuing to watch the receiver play elsewhere. The AFC West isn't getting any easier, but it seems like a no-brainer if the Chargers can give the quarterback another target to work with, especially one he already has chemistry with and trust.
Allen is also still a free agent despite being considered the best remaining receiver on the market, which could be interpreted as another sign that he should come back home. It seems more like it's just a matter of time before that happens, so look out for the expected eventual announcement.