Chargers should explore Keenan Allen reunion after Mike Williams retirement

Chargers should explore Keenan Allen reunion after Mike Williams retirement
Bolts From The Blue Bolts From The Blue

The Los Angeles Chargers need a wide receiver after seeing one of their veterans retire.

The Los Angeles Chargers are starting training camp off on the wrong foot, especially at the wide receiver position.

Mike Williams, a former top-10 pick by the team, surprisingly announced his retirement just days after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

With Williams gone and second-round selection Tre Harris still unsigned, the Chargers should target a wide receiver in free agency. One solution is another familiar face in veteran Keenan Allen.

Allen, 33, remains a free agent after failing to sign an agreement following his year with the Chicago Bears.

The Chargers traded Allen to the Bears last offseason, but the veteran struggled in his lone year in the Windy City. Allen caught 70 passes for 744 yards, his lowest yardage total since the 2015 NFL season.

Allen spent his first 11 years with the Chargers before the trade and was one of the last people who played in San Diego before the team moved to Los Angeles in 2017.

Allen made six Pro Bowls in his first seven years in the City of Angels, including his best statistical year in 2023 with 108 catches for 1,243 yards.

Allen carried a $23.1 million cap hit in 2024, which is why the Chargers traded him. However, if he signed for a lower number, the Chargers may be interested again.

Allen may feel some type of way re-joining the team that traded him last year, but the Chargers offer not just an opportunity to play, but to start in a place that’s familiar with him and a quarterback he already has chemistry with.

Signing with the Chargers would be Allen’s best career move and might be Los Angeles’ best path forward as well.