Chargers GM: We offered Allen multiple contract options before trade
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz says the team offered Keenan Allen multiple contract options, including an extension, before trading the wide receiver to the Chicago Bears.
"There was extensions, there was everything," Hortiz said Thursday, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. "We kind of went down every path, and in the end, this was the one that fit us best and fit him best."
Allen's agent, Joby Branion, addressed Hortiz's comments later Thursday, stating the Chargers didn't put more than one contract offer on the table.
"Only one offer was made," Branion wrote. "It was a pay cut for 2024 with a two-year extension (and both years had even deeper cuts to his current pay). We made a counteroffer. It was rejected. Then we were informed of the Chargers intention to trade Keenan Allen."
Los Angeles became cap compliant prior to the start of the new league year after releasing wideout Mike Williams. They created additional cap flexibility after pass-rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa both agreed to revised deals.
Allen also said last week that the Chargers asked him to take a pay cut. The six-time Pro Bowler's contract carried a $34.7-million cap hit for L.A. in 2024.
"It was, 'I'm not doing it.' I'm not doing it. I just came off my best season, so it's not happening," Allen said.
L.A. subsequently dealt Allen to Chicago in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Allen spent all 11 seasons of his career as a member of the Chargers organization. He's second on the franchise's all-time list in both career receptions (904) and receiving yards (10,530).
The deal provides the Bears with a prolific duo at receiver as Allen teams up with D.J. Moore. The pass-catchers are expected to help Chicago's new starting quarterback get acclimated after the Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick in April's draft, in which former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is projected to be selected first overall.
With the departures of Williams and Allen, the Chargers' receiving corps is set to feature Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Derius Davis. L.A. also added veteran tight ends Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst in free agency as the team enters its first season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.