As we enter training camp, one mystery still looms large over the Los Angeles Chargers' roster— will veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen be returning for another season?
After having spent all but one of his 13-season career in a Chargers uniform, it's hard to imagine Allen finishing his career anywhere else. He was still majorly productive in 2025, posting 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. But that was in Greg Roman's scheme, where Allen's possession skillset, especially in attacking the flat, was paramount to any momentum the Los Angeles offense could maintain.
Under Mike McDaniel, the fit is much less clear. McDaniel's scheme will prioritize YAC and quick-timing passing routes, and Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston will both be taking on enhanced roles in this new iteration of the Chargers offense.
As unfortunate as it might be, Allen's best fit might be elsewhere in 2026. The Athletic's Daniel Popper concurs, listing the New Orleans Saints as the ideal destination for Allen in his recent "best fits" piece. Here's part of what Popper had to say:
"Allen relies more on technique and savvy than elite athleticism. The Saints are a compelling fit for a couple of reasons... Allen has spent all but one season of his NFL career in Southern California. It’s fair to question if he would even be willing to make a move to New Orleans for 2026. But from a football standpoint, this marriage makes a ton of sense. As usual, the Saints are tight up against the cap, so they would likely have to get creative with the structure to make a contract work." Daniel Popper, The Athletic
Even if the Chargers want Allen back, do the Saints make more sense at this point in his career?
Ultimately, this comes down to what Allen and the Chargers want to prioritize. Is the back end of the receiving corps so strong that Allen wouldn't be able to carve out a minimal role in 2026? Certainly not.
But if Los Angeles wants to put an emphasis on developing their young pieces— like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Brenen Thompson— then giving any share of their snaps to Allen doesn't make much sense. Given the the extent to which McDaniel leans into two wide-receiver sets, opportunities will already be limited behind the defined trio of Johnston, McConkey, and Tre' Harris.
Allen, meanwhile, must determine if staying in Los Angeles is his utmost priority. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler teased a potential exit last week— or at least stated that Allen's top priority no longer seems to be remaining on the West Coast. Allen certainly still has some production left even as he reaches the age of 34. As Popper argues, New Orleans could be the team to maximize that.
The Saints have former Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore at head coach, and Allen's most productive season of the past eight years was under Moore's scheme in 2023. New Orleans also has an exceedingly young receiving corps— headlined by Chris Olave and recent first-round pick Jordyn Tyson— that could greatly benefit from a veteran presence to serve as a 'safety blanket' for QB Tyler Shough.
If Allen is prioritizing opportunity and production, even if it requires an exit from Los Angeles, his fit with a team like New Orleans continues to make more sense by the day.
We should have answer soon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google