The Los Angeles Chargers largely have their offensive heirarchy set in stone for 2026.
With the addition of David Njoku, they've acquired the final piece to their offensive puzzle. Njoku, Charlie Kolar, and Oronde Gadsden II will occupy the tight end room. Omarion Hampton will take on lead back duties, while Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell will share the rest of the workload out of the backfield.
But even with their addition of Brenen Thompson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, there's still a major question mark lingering over their wide receiver room. Will the Chargers look to bring back Keenan Allen for his 14th NFL season?
Allen was highly productive in 2025, amassing 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. But it's clear Los Angeles wants to grant more opportunities to their younger pass-catchers. With Thompson in the fold, the Chargers now have five receivers who will command snaps in Mike McDaniel's offense in 2026.
Allen's return this offseason, like his return in 2025, is therefore likely to hinge on an injury or a surprising development in training camp.
Keenan Allen's Chargers return could depend upon another surprising opening in their wide receiver room
Last offseason, it also seemed as though the Chargers' receiving corps was set. Allen had just had another productive season after being traded to the Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles had just drafted Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith.
But veteran receiver Mike Williams' surprising retirement on the eve of the season opened the door for Allen's return, and we're all grateful it did. Allen was a familiar target for Herbert in 2025, granting him a security blanket as he dealt with an untenable amount of pressure in the backfield.
The offensive outlook in 2026 is drastically different, though. McDaniel wants to maximize Herbert by opening up quick-throw and YAC opportunities in the short and intermediate parts of the field. Allen is a possession receiver, and his style doesn't necessarily suit what McDaniel is trying to accomplish.
But Allen is still a legendary and beloved member of the Chargers organization. He's stated that he's not willing to play anywhere outside of Los Angeles at this point in his career. Could that change if the Chargers don't come calling during training camp? It's a real possibility.
But if any of their receivers go down during training camp, you can bet Allen will be the first call Joe Hortiz and company make. As it stands, it seems like that's Allen's only path to being back in Los Angeles in 2026.
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