A couple of weeks ago, NFL insider Peter Schrager mentioned a series of wide receivers who could be on the trade market ahead of the deadline on November 5th. Perhaps the biggest surprise in that group was Keenan Allen. The Chicago Bears had just acquired the six-time Pro Bowler from the Los Angeles Chargers for a 4th round pick in the off-season. They had hoped he’d be a central part of their revamped passing attack around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Instead, a heel injury seems to have hampered him since training camp. In that time, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze haven’t had any issues carrying the load. Allen hasn’t quite found a groove since returning. While there is no reason to think he won’t be a factor at some point, the trade rumors haven’t gone away. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog confirmed they are real. Depending on what happens the rest of October, it may influence what the organization decides to do.
(2) Keenan Allen. With only 10 catches on the season, there have actually been serious trade rumors surrounding Allen. But the truth of his tape is this: he’s not getting open enough. Understanding the Bears need to exploit the middle of the field, this is the week for Allen to kill Jacksonville with shallow crossing routes.
Keenan Allen is at the mercy of his health.
That has been the case, really, over the past couple of seasons. While he was still highly productive in L.A., he did miss several games with various injuries. It was one of the reasons the Chargers traded him in the first place. They felt his advancing age (32) and stacking list of health issues made his contract an unnecessary burden. Chicago had the cap space to handle it and felt he was worth the risk if it would help Williams. So far, the veteran receiver hasn’t looked like the player he’s been for the past decade.
The good news is Keenan Allen still has three games left before a decision can be made. Chicago plays Jacksonville in London this week. They’ve struggled to cover the middle of the field all season. That is a prime opportunity for him to go off. The bye week will then allow him further time to heal up. After that are Washington and Arizona, two more weak defensive teams. If he can’t get going through this stretch, the Bears may have to try unloading him before it’s too late.
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I think we can all agree that Allen is outrageously overpaid for whst he is actually bringing to this team. Do I think he will be traded – doubtful. Do I think it would impact the team if he was traded – nope. He looks incredibly slow out there and his hands have been shaky at best. Where the hell is Scott??? Why isn’t he ever playing?
Allen isn’t getting open because CHI can’t run the ball, and because Waldron isn’t trying to push the ball down the field with his play-calling. The rushing deficiency isn’t going to get fixed anytime soon because they just don’t have the personnel to fix it, but the lack of action downfield is correctable.
I’d be shocked if Poles dealt Allen — there really isn’t a reason to — but I continue to like an Allen for Devante Adams deal if LV would cooperate.
Just the luck for the Bears, Poles, and Caleb. I guess it was just too good to be true with Allen.