Free agent wide receiver Keenan Allen has officially rejoined the Los Angeles Chargers, as announced by the team on Tuesday. Allen's return follows a season with the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. The six-time Pro Bowler spent his first 11 seasons in the NFL with the Chargers, establishing himself as a key player in their offense.

Allen, who was drafted in the third round out of Cal, enjoyed significant achievements during his tenure, including five seasons with over 100 receptions and five campaigns surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. His most productive season came in 2021, where he posted 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games, despite a heel injury sidelining him for the final month of the season. Due to salary cap constraints and his refusal to take a pay cut, the Chargers traded Allen to the Bears for a fourth-round draft choice, leaving him with one year remaining on a four-year, $45 million contract.

While Allen's time with the Bears was brief, he made it clear in his welcome press conference that he saw a future with the organization. However, the Chargers' need for experienced wide receivers, especially following the retirement of Mike Williams, prompted them to sign Allen, thus marking his return to the team. Joining a receiving corps led by second-year standout Ladd McConkey, who had a breakout rookie season, Allen serves as a veteran presence capable of providing reliable support for quarterback Justin Herbert. Allen's addition to the Chargers is viewed as a strategic move as the team aims to build on its recent 11-win season and playoff appearance under head coach Jim Harbaugh.