Keenan Allen’s agent reveals details of failed contract talks with Chargers and unexpected trade intentions

Allen reportedly turned down Chargers proposed extension.

Keenan Allen’s agent reveals details of failed contract talks with Chargers and unexpected trade intentions

Keenan Allen (Image via IMAGO)

Gallons of water have passed through the LA River since Keenan Allen signed with the Chicago Bears following an 11-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers (San Diego Chargers). However, reports surfaced that the Chargers wanted to keep the veteran wide receiver and even offered him several contract options.

The Los Angeles Chargers beat writer for The Athletic, Daniel Popper on X (formerly Twitter), shared that general manager Joe Hortiz offered Keenan Allen multiple contracts. Among them was an extension to stay at the SoFI Stadium before he agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with the Bears.

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Allen’s agent, Joby Branion, later clarified the details of what the Chargers had offered. Branion wrote that there weren’t multiple offers.

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Only one offer was made. It was a pay cut for 2024 with a 2-year extension (and both years had even deeper cuts to his current pay). We made a counteroffer. It was rejected.
Branion wrote on X

This does coincide with Allen’s interview during his first press conference. The 31-year-old crossed the 1000-yard threshold for the sixth time in his career in 2023. He had 108 catches for 1243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. He was hoping to earn what the Bears had offered him, which did not materialize.

It really was no emotion; it was 'I'm not doing it. I just came off my best season, so it's not happening'.
Allen said

Allen even revealed the 2023 season was the most memorable in his 10,000+ receiving career. 

Probably from last year because it was my best season I put together and didn't play four games, so it was pretty good.
Allen said, per the Bears official website

How is the Keenan Allen’s Bears contract drafted?

General manager Ryan Poles has been busy making moves in the free market. Staying true to his words, he wants to shape the franchise and create a winning culture. Allen’s acquisition not only adds a quality starter for the team but also injects a much-needed experienced head in the locker room.

Keenan Allen's agent reveals details of failed contract talks with Chargers and unexpected trade intentions
Keenan Allen (Image via IMAGO)

Allen signed a 4-year deal with an annual salary of $20,025,000 that includes a $13,500,000 signing bonus and $43,000,000 guaranteed. He will earn a base salary of $18,100,000 and a roster bonus of $5,000,000 in 2024, plus a $5 million roster bonus. He covers 8.9% of the cap space in the Bears salary cap.

The 2013 third-round pick is excited to be in a windy city surrounded by talent.

Got great talent. I know DJ Moore, [who is a] hell of an athlete out there at receiver, and just picked up a running back [D'Andre Swift from Philadelphia]. The tight end [Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett].
Keenan Allen said

Allen has played 139 games in his NFL career. He received 904 passes for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns.

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