The Chicago Bears traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen knowing that he would need a new contract following the 2024 season. Allen, coming off what was arguably his best season as a pro, has been candid about his desire for a new deal. What is less clear is whether or not the Bears will offer a deal that is satisfactory.
There is mutual interest in getting a deal done.
If and when negotiations between the two sides happen, the Bears will be working with a new team of representatives on Allen’s side.
Keenan Allen Switches Agents Amid Interest in Contract Extension With Bears
Bears, Keenan Allen Heading for Complex Contract Talks
?Six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen ? a pending free agent who said recently he?s open to a contract extension with the #Bears ? has made a switch in representation, hiring @ZekeSandhu and @BilboDamarius of @KlutchSports,? NFL Network?s Tom Pelissero reported on X on June 12.
Six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen ? a pending free agent who said recently he?s open to a contract extension with the #Bears ? has made a switch in representation, hiring @ZekeSandhu and @BilboDamarius of @KlutchSports. pic.twitter.com/6lmdX3ohGz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 12, 2024
Allen, 32, is in the final year of a four-year, $80.1 million contract. He carries a $23.1 million cap hit in 2024. The Bears have $21.6 million in cap space after another active offseason, per Over The Cap. He had a career-best 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns.
Allen, who has a lengthy injury history, also appeared in 13 games in 2023. That is a three-game improvement over the season prior.
The Bears have taken care of their core players.
General Manager Ryan Poles has worked through negotiations of varying circumstances with tight end Cole Kmet, defensive tackle Andrew Billings, defensive end Montez Sweat, and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Allen?s situation is unique given the current stage of his career, his injury history, and his preexisting relationship with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
Bears Teammates Raving About Keenan Allen
Allen?s impact is already being felt beyond Williams, with several teammates noting what he brings to the team. Johnson called Allen one of the more ?unpredictable? receivers to cover while Kyler Gordon noted the veteran would keep him ?disciplined? in practice.
Then there is his direct impact on rookie first-round pick Rome Odunze, who has a budding connection with Williams. Like Allen, Odunze is a bigger receiver.
It remains to be seen if he can be nearly as effective as Allen is as a slot receiver with his smooth footwork.
Rome Odunze with the SMOOTH footwork pic.twitter.com/CyIbAH0qrw
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) June 12, 2024
The latter will play there for the most part. But he is aging while Odunze is the team?s first-round pick. Head Coach Matt Eberflus also said they are cross-training the receivers to play in each spot.
DJ Moore?s Contract Looms Large for Bears
Allen?s deal is on the docket now. But DJ Moore?s situation is approaching fast if it is not already being discussed. Moore is entering Year 3 of a three-year, $61.9 million pact.
One of the key returns from the Bears trading the No. 1 pick in 2023, Moore?s value is proven.
He has been productive on the field and established a rapport in the locker room and a presence in the community. Letting him walk after the 2025 season would be a tough sell for Poles unless Moore requested it.
The situation is complicated by the new mouths to feed in the passing game and a rookie playing point guard.