The Los Angeles Chargers are getting younger and younger at their skill positions. That is obviously a strong position to be in, setting them up for success both now and in the future.
However, Keenan Allen has made it clear that he has no plans to retire just yet. He has also expressed a desire to continue his career with the Chargers. Assuming Allen is willing to take an appropriate pay cut, given where he is in his career, the Chargers should not hesitate to bring back the franchise legend.
Re-signing Keenan Allen is a no-brainer for the Chargers
Is there redundancy between Allen’s skill set and that of the much younger Ladd McConkey? Absolutely. Is Allen turning 34 this April and clearly past his prime? Of course. But without question, Keenan Allen remains the ultimate security blanket. He is a steadying presence in the locker room, not just for the receivers but across the entire roster.
Joe Hortiz already let Allen leave Los Angeles once, and it felt strange. At that time, Allen was coming off an excellent season and was reasonably seeking compensation that reflected his production. Now, at 34, he should be far more open to prioritizing team fit as he navigates the final stretch of his career.
Allen is still extremely reliable on third down. Mike McDaniel understands how to maximize veterans while continuing to develop younger, more explosive players. McConkey’s growth will not be stunted simply because Allen is on the roster.
Even the addition of a player like Rashid Shaheed would not create overlap concerns, as he and Allen bring entirely different skill sets. If Allen is willing to return at the right price, there is little justification for allowing him to walk away again. Letting another franchise legend leave without good reason would be difficult to defend.
Allen is a great person and teammate, and that matters. But at its core, championship teams are not built on youth movements alone. Veterans like Keenan Allen are often the bridge that allows young talent to become championship-caliber contributors.
When adversity hits, both on and off the field, Allen has consistently been someone who produces and leads. A roster built solely on youth rarely takes the leap into true contention based on talent alone. The NFL is a league of grown men. Keenan Allen is exactly that. You do not let players like him walk away without a clear and compelling reason.
Keenan Allen is no longer the player he once was, but he remains one of the greatest receivers in Chargers history. He has publicly stated his desire to stay with the Bolts. Is that leverage to increase pressure on Hortiz?
Possibly, and if so, it is a smart move. But if he truly means it, the right outcome should be obvious. If Allen is willing to meet the team where it is financially, Joe Hortiz should have every reason to bring him back for the upcoming season.