Even though we've entered the doldrums of the offseason, there are still a number of storylines swirling under the ostensibly calm waters of the NFL. For the Los Angeles Chargers, these have come in the form of Tuli Tuipulotu's contract negotiations and the potential return of Keenan Allen.
The Tuipulotu issue is something we've heard a lot about. The Chargers want to get it done this offseason, and it seems like the best path forward for both parties is for the ink to dry prior to the start of training camp. As far as Allen goes, though, we haven't heard anything of substance in months.
Hortiz claimed earlier in the offseason that the door was still open for Allen to return. Perhaps an injury could swing that even further open, or the coaching staff will wait to see what they can truly get out of receivers like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Brenen Thompson in training camp. But as of now, there's been no new movement on a contract for Allen, and there doesn't seem to have been movement on the part of any other team, either.
For his part, Allen has said that he doesn't want to play outside of Los Angeles at this point in his career. Things can always change as the situation develops, though, and Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently reiterated the case for why a team like the New Orleans Saints would be a perfect fit for the veteran.
"Entering his age-34 season, Allen is a chain-moving receiver who can be a safety blanket for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Remember, the savvy veteran wideout led the Chicago Bears with seven touchdown receptions in quarterback Caleb Williams' 2024 rookie campaign... New Orleans has an ascending offense with the addition of rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson, running back Travis Etienne Jr. and guard David Edwards. Allen can be the next acquisition in a revamped unit." Moe Moton, Bleacher Report
Keenan Allen deserves to get more NFL opportunities, assuming he wants them
Last season, Allen's return to the Chargers saw him take on a familiar role. He became a 'safety blanket' of sorts for quarterback Justin Herbert. While Herbert saw untenable amounts of pressure all season as a result of his leaky protection, Allen was always there to alleviate some of that. His possession skill-set and ability to operate out of the slot was a major boon to the Los Angeles offense in 2025.
Across 17 games, Allen amassed 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
But under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, the role that Allen took on last season no longer exists. McDaniel's passing scheme is centered around YAC opportunities, and that makes the speedy Ladd McConkey a much better fit as the team's primary slot receiver. If Allen were to return for 2026, it would be in a massively minimized role. The Chargers have stated their intention to maximize their young receivers this season, and it's safe to assume they'll carry that out whether Allen is on the roster or not.
With the Saints, though, that role still exists. As impressive as Tyler Shough was in his rookie season, he still is not the sharpest playmaker and can have his fair share of shaky moments. In an overwhelmingly young receiving corps, headlined by Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson, Allen could easily take the primary slot role for Devaughn Vele.
As Moton points out, moreover, Allen's most productive season in recent memory was under Kellen Moore in 2023. While Allen's game has honed in on his intermediate-field abilities since that time, it's certain that Moore could find a use for him in a budding New Orleans offense.
While other teams might show interest, therefore, the fit between Allen and the Saints makes the most sense. Assuming he doesn't return to the Chargers, that is.
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