As the Los Angeles Chargers entered training camp, they had two unignorable questions lingering over the roster.
The first was the state of pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu's contract negotiations and whether he would engage in a hold-in. That question has been answered, relatively, as Tuipulotu appears set to participate in team drills for the first time today as training camp ramps up into its padded phase.
The second was the status of Keenan Allen, who was a focal point of the Chargers offense last season under Greg Roman. Allen still remains a free agent, and there's been much speculation about whether Los Angeles would bring Allen back in a limited role for 2026.
It seems like we've got our answer. Per Dan Graziano at ESPN, the Chargers should not be expected to bring in another receiver this offseason. Allen will likely need to look for another home if he wants to continue his NFL career.
"Don't expect another late-offseason veteran wide receiver addition like the one the Chargers made last year when they brought back Keenan Allen. They feel great about what rookie receiver Brenen Thompson has shown in camp and the improvements they've seen from Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris and Derius Davis." Dan Graziano, ESPN.
The Chargers simply don't have room for Keenan Allen in Mike McDaniel's offense
The loss of Allen is not a joyful one. Apart from the lone season he spent with the Chicago Bears, he's been a fixture of the Chargers offense for years. Even in 2025, at the age of 33, Allen's possession skill set still helped keep the Los Angeles offense afloat. Across 17 games, he posted 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
But under McDaniel, the Chargers offense is expected to place a much greater emphasis on YAC and explosive-play opportunities. They need to fully unlock Ladd McConkey out of the slot in order to execute that vision, and the speed of McDaniel's offensive vision doesn't truly align with Allen's skill set at this point in his career.
If Allen were to return, it would always have been in a minimized role. The Chargers have young receivers they want to develop in Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. McDaniel's use of 12 and 13-personnel, moreover, means there are less opportunities for wide receivers than a purely 11-personnel offense might provide.
The Chargers' decision to not add a veteran receiver is not just a reflection on Allen, though. It's a reflection of the faith they have in their current receiving corps to take strides forward under the overhauled offensive structure of McDaniel. There's certainly some degree of risk involved there.
But from a perspective of the long-term development of these pass catchers, it's likely the right decision.
Perhaps Allen still has some gas left in the tank. A team with a young receiving corps like the New Orleans Saints or the New York Giants could still be a solid fit for him as training camp progresses and roster needs become clearer.
But when it comes to Los Angeles, it seems as though their pass catchers are set in stone for 2026.
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