Most of the Los Angeles Chargers' roster needs have already been filled this offseason. But Joe Hortiz has made clear there's still a path for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to be on the roster in 2026.
Speaking on the Up & Adams show, Hortiz stated that there has been communication between the Chargers and Allen's representation.
"Right now we're in a spot where we're looking at the roster and letting these young guys get a chance," Hortiz started. "But I've had some communication with Keenan's representation. And we talk." Joe Hortiz
He also stated, in reference to Adams' allusion to the rumors surrounding Allen and the Kansas City Chiefs, that he "would not like to see him in the red".
Of course, the Chargers have their fair share of young receivers who they want to grant additional opportunities to. There likely wouldn't be room for a major role for Allen with the way Los Angeles' roster is currently constructed.
But if these talks ultimately fall through, and Allen decides to continue his playing career elsewhere, the Chargers' worst nightmare could actually come true. Allen still likely has a year or two left as a viable receiver, and his fit with Los Angeles' bitter division rival makes a frightening amount of sense.
Keenan Allen would be a scarily solid option for the Chiefs if things don't work out in Los Angeles
Allen's return is not a question of production. Even on an inconsistent Chargers offense in 2025, he managed to post 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. But if Los Angeles does ultimately bring him back, it would likely be in a limited role.
They currently have Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as the leaders of their receiving corps. Major role increases are expected for both Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and rookie Brenen Thompson should also get his fair share of opportunities.
Allen has stated he doesn't intend to play anywhere outside of Los Angeles at this point in his career. But if he wants a major role and the Chargers don't truly intend to bring him back, it's hard to imagine a better fit than Kansas City.
The Chiefs are facing uncertainties with their wide receiver room as Rashee Rice faces offseason legal troubles. But even with him in the picture, Kansas City doesn't truly have a possession skill-set or a veteran presence in their receiving corps. Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton provide speed, but they don't have especially reliable hands in the intermediate parts of the field. Neither does fifth-round draft pick Cyrus Allen.
With a re-shaped offense and hopes for returning to Super Bowl contention, the addition of Allen could be a major boon for Kansas City.
The Chiefs likely wouldn't be the only team with interest in Allen if things fall through with the Chargers. It also is unclear if Allen would even be willing to go to a division rival at this point in his career.
But even imagining a franchise legend playing a major role for Kansas City is a scary thought. The fact that it makes sense from a perspective of fit only intensifies that fear.
Add us as a preferred source on Google