Keenan Allen stepped up big for the Chargers in 2025. The veteran WR signed with the team after an injury forced Mike Williams to retire in training camp. He was the most targeted wide receiver on the team and was second in receiving yards. Allen may not be what he was in his prime, but he proved that he's still a useful player on offense.
At Super Bowl weekend in San Francisco, Allen stated his intention is to remain with the Chargers. He also shut down the possibility of leaving elsewhere to another team in free agency when asked: "absolutely not," Allen said.
Since then, it's been quiet on the Allen front. It's worth noting that there's not a real urgency to sign the vet wide receiver until after the draft. It would also probably benefit Allen to sign then from a salary vs. comp pick formula perspective. After the comp deadline at the end of April, none of the Chargers signings from that point on will count against the comp pick formula.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz leaves the door open for Keenan Allen's return
Hortiz was asked about signing free agents after the draft and specifically the possibility of bringing Allen back. "There are a number of guys out there still available," Hortiz said in reference to post-draft free agency. ESPN's Kris Rhim followed up on that and asked if the door to Allen's return was open. Hortiz said it is.
Last year, Allen signed with the Chargers in August when the team was a few weeks into training camp. As an older vet player, it wouldn't be surprising to see Allen take a similar approach this season if he is eventually back.
Hortiz also talked up the receivers currently in the room at his presser and specifically mentioned Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris, Quentin Johnston, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. With five picks in the draft, the Chargers could also add another weapon in the draft after addressing the trenches. In addition to potentially bringing Allen back, the Chargers have their fair share of draft options.
The Chargers were able to bring Allen back on a fairly affordable contract last season that was laced with incentives. Per OverTheCap, the 2025 cap hit for Allen ended up being $5.27 million after incentives were totaled in.
It seems like it's Chargers or bust for Allen at this stage of his career. Sometime this summer, we'll find out whethere he's part of the teams' 2026 plans. But Hortiz has left the door open for now.
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