Keenan Allen reuniting with the LA Chargers still seemed like it could happen even after the Bolts drafted two wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft. After all, the Chargers still have a hole at Z receiver with the cap space to afford a one-year deal for Allen.
Those hopeful for an Allen return will be devastated by the most recent development. The Chargers may have telegraphed their intentions in the most subtle way possible, giving away Allen's No. 13 to someone else.
After refusing to give the number out last season in Allen's first year away from the team, the Chargers have given the No. 13 to undrafted free-agent quarterback, D.J. Uiagalelei.
I for one thought Keenan would have #13 retired. This is kinda gross by the chargers lol. pic.twitter.com/9aS6vn3WgT
— RAD🛥️ (@The___RAD) April 29, 2025
Chargers give Keenan Allen's No. 13 to D.J. Uiagalelei
It is a bit jarring seeing someone else with the No. 13 after Allen spent over a decade wearing the number. No other player in franchise history has ever really been successful with the number, forever making it synonymous with Allen.
Allen isn't retired yet and the Chargers have every right to give his number out as they deem fit. But just because he isn't retired doesn't mean the team has to give the number out. After all, the Chargers still haven't allowed anyone else to wear No. 17 and the team hasn't officially retired Philip Rivers' number.
The one saving grace in this situation is that Uiagalelei has an extremely thin chance of actually making the roster. The Chargers already have three quarterbacks on the roster, and despite being a former candidate for the No. 1 overall pick, Uiagalelei was far from impressive in college.
However, Uiagalelei will likely see at least some preseason action (especially with the Chargers playing the Hall of Fame game), so fans will have to see a different player wearing No. 13. And it will be jarring.
Does this mean Allen's reunion with the Chargers is completely dead? Not quite. The team could easily take No. 13 away from Uiagalelei. It's not like he is an established player; he is a UDFA who will be happy to wear any number just to get a chance in the NFL.
But between the Chargers drafting two wide receivers and giving Allen's number away, it feels like the team is trying to send a clear message to fans. A message that many of us likely do not want to hear.
This may just be foreshadowing the inevitable with Allen joining another team before the start of the 2025 season.