This offseason, there is still one big question fans of the LA Chargers are asking.
Is Keenan Allen coming back?
The veteran wide receiver is unlikely to return to the Chicago Bears after just one season and has gone on record saying he'd like to play for either the Chargers or Bears going forward. At this point, it seems obvious what will end up happening.
But, are the Chargers going to wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft to make the move? It would make the most sense to get this done prior to draft weekend, especially as to avoid making some costly mistakes.
If the Chargers sign Keenan Allen, a trade-up scenario becomes less likely in the draft
There are some out there who would like to see L.A. move up for a receiver like Tetairoa McMillan, but having McConkey and Allen in the fold, that might not make sense considering their other needs.
Having Allen locked in will allow the Chargers to draft the best player available, and in all likelihood, that will be a defensive lineman -- which the fans would welcome with open arms.
Sure, it's a sexy thing to do to trade up for a top wide receiver. But, that's not Jim Harbaugh's style. He builds in the trenches, and if there's a top defensive lineman at no. 22, then that's the route they go without hesitation, especially having Allen back.
Instead of taking the best receiver available in Round 1, the Chargers could trade back
With Allen on board alongside Ladd McConkey, the Chargers wouldn't necessarily feel the pressure to draft a wide receiver too high. At no. 22 overall, they could be looking at players like Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden still on the board.
However, if there's another player on the board which teams want to trade up for, then moving back would be to their advantage. There are plenty of Round 2 and Round 3 wide receivers who would come in and immediately offer upside as a WR3.
Related Chargers news:
On that same note, the talent level from the back of the first round through Round 2 is very similar. If the Chargers are able to garner another pick by moving back, they'll still be able to focus on positions of need early on (i.e. defensive and offensive line, tight end).
After signing Keenan Allen, the Chargers don't have to continue putting tight end on the back burner
If wide receiver isn't a top priority on Day 1 or even in the second round, the Chargers can look to of course build the trenches. Another option, though, is to look at one of the top tight ends who might be on the board.
There's no way Tyler Warren makes it to no. 22 overall. However, from that point on, the Chargers should be monitoring the likes of Colston Loveland, Mason Taylor and Harold Fannin Jr., among a couple of other names
If they can get their hands on one of the top four or five players at the tight end position, that dramatically improves this offense. Los Angeles needs a long-term solution at tight end, and this draft could be a great place to get one.
Without having to focus early on wide receivers, the tight end room gets an even bigger look.