The Los Angeles Chargers officially let a franchise legend walk late Monday night, when Keenan Allen signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.32 million with the Indianapolis Colts.
Allen's departure, although not entirely certain, had been expected for a while. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, the passing game should shift to a more YAC-focused attack. Dan Graziano at ESPN reported after his visit to Chargers camp that it didn't seem as though the team was looking to add a veteran receiver late in the offseason—and that presumably included Allen.
The Colts make perfect sense as a destination for the franchise legend. They have snaps available out of the slot, and Allen is familiar with the scheme from Shane Steichen's days as offensive coordinator in Los Angeles.
But Allen's departure signifies more than just the exit of a long-time pass catching threat. It's a new era for the Chargers— and it finally leaves the air attack on the shoulders of the ascending Ladd McConkey.
McConkey now has a chance to fully prove what he can be as a lead receiver in the Chargers offense.
Ladd McConkey finally gets his chance to fully shine— and the Chargers' scheme is perfectly suited for it
From the time McConkey was selected 34th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was clear he had the upside to be a real weapon for Los Angeles. Although there were concerns about his strength and size, he had the route-running nuance and the confidence at the catch point to be an immediate threat at the NFL level.
That projection bore itself out during his rookie campaign. Across 16 games, McConkey posted 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns, receiving down-ballot votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year and cementing himself as a primary weapon of the future for the Chargers.
It made sense, at the time, to bring Allen back for one more season after his brief stint with the Chicago Bears. The Chargers offense needed a sure-fire target, and Allen provided that. But he did siphon opportunities away from McConkey.
McConkey's target share didn't see a significant drop—declining from 112 to 106 during his sophomore campaign—but his opportunities to work out of the slot decreased by 7%. His function within the offense changed dramatically, and he was no longer the favorite target of Justin Herbert. We can blame his decline in production, along with the general ineffectiveness of the offense in 2025 under Greg Roman, on Allen's return.
Now though, there's nothing standing between McConkey and another major season. McDaniel's scheme will prioritize athleticism and speed in the short and intermediate parts of the field. Although Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris will both get plenty of opportunities, especially downfield, McConkey has the type of skill set that is perfectly suited for McDaniel's plans.
The future of the Chargers' air attack is now on McConkey's shoulders. Let's hope he can take on that mantle quickly.
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