While retirement could be the first thing on his mind, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen could leave in free agency to join a team on a one-year deal. The Chargers lost in a blowout contest against the New England Patriots, which came down to a few crucial drops from the veteran receiver. With that, it makes sense for the Chargers to overhaul their entire pass-catching unit except for Ladd McConkey, who’s become one of the better slot threats in the league. Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman is rumored to be fired, and if that happens, the likelihood of Allen returning to Los Angeles is slim.
Chargers Legend Keenan Allen Could Leave in Free Agency – 3 Possible Suitors
Originally selected as a third-round pick, the former California was once the best deep threat in the league, but he’s been slowing down due to age. Allen isn’t getting younger and won’t play his best football, but there will still be teams that are interested in what he has to offer. The six-time Pro Bowler won multiple rookie honors while being one of the two players in franchise history to accumulate more than 10,000 career receiving yards. Allen will think about his options before returning to the NFL, but if he does come back, it won’t be in a Charger uniform.
The Chargers brought him back this past offseason to offer some familiarity for Justin Herbert in the aerial attack. Allen had his moments of spectacular play, but it wasn’t enough, or it didn’t come at the right time, when they needed it in the loss to the Patriots. Here are three teams that could give him one last run.
Next Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will probably plan to give George Pickens a massive contract this offseason, but they’re expected to lose Jalen Tolbert in free agency. This would be a huge loss even for KaVontae Turpin, who needs another receiver to help him in the unit. The Cowboys can’t afford to have two of the highest-paid receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Pickens, while not getting enough depth. Perhaps the Cowboys could give Allen a decent one-year deal to join them on their quest for a Super Bowl.
The last time the Cowboys had a veteran pass-catcher, it was Brandin Cooks, who is flying high in Buffalo. Allen isn’t the same anymore, but could offer some stability in situational moments when Dak Prescott needs to get the ball out quickly in the air.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Rashee Rice facing new legal trouble, the league could suspend him for a few games, which would be another huge blow to the Kansas City offense. The Chiefs were already without Rice for the majority of the 2025 campaign, and that will probably happen this year. Marquise Brown is a free agent whom the team re-signed quickly after Rice’s incident last offseason. Allen could be the next veteran who could offer Patrick Mahomes some help as far as experience, especially for Xavier Worthy, who is bound to break out soon.
Detroit Lions
The past offseason, there was speculation that the Lions could trade star wideout Jameson Williams, but they’ve extended him for more years. Now that the rumors can settle, they’re still in need of a WR3 behind Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While the Lions won’t have money to sign another blockbuster pass-catcher due to current contracts, they could get Allen. He isn’t going to be a prime Calvin Johnson, but he has decent size to haul in catches and help Jared Goff and this offense get back in the wild-card.