Trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick was by far the most shocking move the LA Chargers have made this season. Allen was arguably the biggest fan favorite on the team and fans understandably did not take to the news well.
For the most part, the new Chargers front office has been justified in the moves it has made. However, with the wide receiver room struggling and the pass rush being deep with talent, many would go back and keep Allen over Joey Bosa.
Alas, the Chargers made their Allen-less bed and have had to lay in it this season. The team may not have to lay in it forever, though, as Allen directly mentioned going back to the Chargers last week. When asked about his future, Allen said he only had interest in the Bears and Chargers.
Fast forward a week and Allen appears as if he is more interested in returning to Chicago than he is going back to Los Angeles. Allen cited Caleb Williams as the main reason why he wants to run it back with the Bears in 2025.
Keenan Allen said he's hoping to return with the Bears next season and part of the reason why is Caleb Williams: "His potential is through the roof. ... I think the sky's the limit for his talent."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) December 5, 2024
Keenan Allen's main hope seems to be returning to the Bears (and not the Chargers)
This does not completely rule out a return to Los Angeles, nor does it guarantee Allen will undoubtedly return to the Bears next season. There is a lot that has to bear itself out (pun intended) in free agency that will dictate where he goes.
If the Chargers are interested in a reunion and offer Allen more money to sign then he very well could return to LA. After all, Justin Herbert has more star power than Caleb Williams, so it is not like he is going from a bad quarterback to a good one.
But if all things are equal Allen may want to return to Chicago next season. If that is the case you cannot blame him for having that preference. Moving across the country (again) is no easy task and there could always be lingering feelings toward the front office that traded him.
From a pure production standpoint, Los Angeles would make more sense than Chicago, though. Allen is competing for targets with D.J. Moore and an emerging Rome Odunze in Chicago. In Los Angeles, Allen's only real competition for targets would be Ladd McConkey (barring any other big moves).
But with McConkey's emergence and similar skillset to Allen, and Allen's comments about returning to the Bears, those who were hoping for a Chargers reunion may end up disappointed.