The Chicago Bears awoke from their free agency hibernation Thursday night, trading a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Bears fans have been not-so-patiently waiting for general manager Ryan Poles to make a big move at wide receiver or edge rusher. Mission accomplished.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen brings a stabilizing veteran presence opposite DJ Moore, who set career-highs in his first season as a Bear in 2023 despite no other Bears receiver demanding respect from opposing defenses. That will change in 2024 with Allen in place.
Even at a somewhat advanced age (31), Allen's production next season should remain consistent with what he's done throughout his 11-year career. He's one of the NFL's truly elite route-runners; his game doesn't rely on speed. It's his route running that makes him a special player, and those traits age like fine wine.
Keenan Allen set a career-high with 108 receptions in just 13 games last year and eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving (1,243) for the sixth time as a pro. A dynamic intermediate target, Allen will provide whoever is playing quarterback in 2024 with a reliable option on every down and in every situation.
It's difficult to find anything not to like with this trade. The Chicago Bears only gave up a fourth-round pick for Allen, in part because of the Chargers' salary-cap problems. It's a reminder of how Ryan Poles' management of the Bears' salary cap 'wins' in many different ways. He took advantage of a team that mismanaged theirs.
It's funny how one player can change the outlook for an entire offense. Prior to the Keenan Allen trade, the Bears' offense felt mediocre. Tyler Scott was the best option on the roster to start opposite Moore, and it had most 2024 NFL mock drafts sending a wide receiver to the Chicago Bears at the ninth overall pick.
Now, with Allen in place, the Bears have one of the more exciting offenses in the NFC.
It's easy to grade this trade. It's an A+.