Chargers Trade Keenan Allen to Bears Amid Salary Cap Constraints

The trade, facilitated by GM Joe Hortiz for a fourth-round pick, marks the end of Allen's impactful 11-season tenure with the Chargers.

Joe Hortiz, the new GM of the Los Angeles Chargers, made a significant decision early in his tenure by trading star wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick, citing salary cap constraints.
Hortiz stated the Chargers offered Allen multiple contract options, including an extension, but were unable to reach an agreement, leading to the trade.
Allen's agent refuted Hortiz's claim, stating that only one offer was made, which involved a pay cut for 2024 with a two-year extension, both years seeing even deeper cuts to Allen's current pay.
The trade ends Allen's 11-season tenure with the Chargers, where he became the franchise's second all-time leading receiver with 10,530 career receiving yards.
Hortiz emphasized the need for salary cap flexibility and the intention to build a competitive team every year, highlighting the Chargers' plans to continue adding pieces, especially at the wide receiver position.