An unexpected narrative that has already emerged for the Chargers this offseason is around Keenan Allen's future. There is a large portion of the fanbase that thinks the Chargers will cut/trade Allen for cap space as the team is projected to be $19.9 million over the cap.
The speculation isn't just in the fanbase, though. Chargers beat reporter Daniel Popper gave it less than a 40% chance that Allen returns to the Bolts next season. There is at least a conversation to be had about what the team will do with Allen this offseason.
Asked Daniel Popper for a % chance that Keenan Allen is back on the team in 2023:
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) January 25, 2023
His answer? Lower than 40%, for a litany of reasons
The GAC x Hops with Pop livestream is up on our channel now:https://t.co/nadRDzS9kj pic.twitter.com/vXDLszkJsb
The idea of trading Allen might be an intriguing one but the return likely won't be as great as fans expect. For comparison, Amari Cooper was traded for two fifth-round picks and a sixth-round pick swap. Allen would likely go for the same price.
There also is not as many suitors as you would think for Allen. Some may think that potential suitors would be lining up for the Pro Bowl receiver. But when you break down the cap and which teams actually need receivers, there is a short list that comes to mind.
3 teams that could actually trade for Chargers' Keenan Allen:
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons traded Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars and could use a cheap trade target to replace him. While the team does have Drake London and Kyle Pitts, getting a veteran pass catcher that can get separation on key downs would be huge.
The Falcons currently have the second-most cap space in the league and can have the extra draft capital to trade with two picks in the fourth round. Thus, the team checks the three boxes required for a potential Allen trade.
Allen also makes sense for them as he is not a long-term commitment and the NFC South is wide open. It could be a smart short-term gamble to maximize their ceiling now while making the young players on the roster better.
2. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have the most cap space in the league this offseason and are definitely looking to use it to maximize Justin Fields. Not only do the Bears have a surplus of cap space but the team also has the first overall pick that they can straight-up use or leverage into more picks.
The no. 1 thing this team needs is pass catchers for Fields and while they have the means to acquire players, there are not many great options available. The free-agent class is not great and the draft class is the worst it has been (receiver-wise) in quite a few years.
Chicago should probably still draft a young receiver in the second or third round to help buld out a complete room but trading for a veteran like Allen is certainly on the table. The Chase Claypool trade may not have been a great one for the Bears but it showed that they are willing to make a trade.
The Chargers and Bears have a rapport, making two separate trades last year (one for Khalil Mack, one essentially being a draft pick swap). Not only does Chicago have an extra pick in the fourth round but the team has two extra picks in the fifth round as well.
Chicago might have its eyes set on a bigger prize, though. DeAndre Hopkins is a name to watch on the trade market and Chicago is in the best position to trade for him. Hopkins is the bigger prize but Allen could be a great backup plan.
1. New York Giants
If there was ever a team that needed a number one wide receiver it is the New York Giants. The Giants exceeded all expectations in 2022 by not only making the playoffs but winning a playoff game in Brian Daboll's first season as head coach.
Daniel Jones had the best year of his career to secure more time in New York and now the Giants' brass have to figure out a way to get talent around him. The team has the cap space to make it work, having the third-most projected cap in the league this offseason.
New York can also cut more cap space as well. The team can free up $6.7 million by cutting Kenny Golladay, who was a bust of a signing for the Giants. That not only opens up more money, but opens a spot in the receiver room to fill with Keenan Allen.
The Giants would also likely prioritize trading for DeAndre Hopkins first but with the Bears having more to offer, the Giants are the more realistic team to take a different trade with Allen instead. New York has an extra third-round pick thanks to the Kadarius Toney trade.
MORE: 6 bold predictions for the Chargers offseason
Getting an adult on the offensive side of the ball who can lead with his veteran experience as well as his production on the field would be fantastic for Jones and this Giants offense. Daboll mastered the smart, conservative offensive style with Jones this season and having an outlet like Allen would make a world of a difference.