The Chicago Bears could face a significant loss this offseason as six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen is rumored to be heading to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.
Allen, who was traded to the Bears last offseason, could leave Chicago without playing a full season under new head coach Ben Johnson, who was hired to develop Caleb Williams and lead the team back into playoff contention.
Allen’s contract, a four-year, $80 million extension signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, has officially expired, making him one of the most high-profile free agents in the league. Despite a below-average season in 2024, Allen remains a valuable asset for teams in need of a reliable, veteran receiver.
Reports suggest the Buffalo Bills, desperate to upgrade their receiving corps, are a likely landing spot for the 31-year-old receiver.
According to Blake Meek of TWSN, the Bills see Allen as a key piece to complement their offense, which has struggled to find a consistent number-one receiving threat alongside quarterback Josh Allen. While the team made a midseason trade for Amari Cooper in 2024, the move did not pan out as expected. Young receivers like Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir have shown promise but lack the elite consistency needed to be top options. Adding Keenan Allen to the mix could give the Bills a well-rounded trio of receivers that would command defensive attention.
Allen’s resume speaks for itself. With 11,274 career receiving yards and seven Pro Bowl appearances, including as recently as 2023, he has proven to be one of the most consistent and productive receivers of the last decade. While his 2024 campaign in Chicago saw him post a modest 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games, the 31-year-old remains a savvy route-runner and a reliable target.
For the Bears, losing Allen would create a noticeable void at wide receiver, especially with a rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams expected to take the reins in 2025. Allen’s veteran leadership and experience could have been invaluable in helping Williams transition to the NFL and develop chemistry with Chicago’s other weapons. His departure would put added pressure on younger receivers like DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney to carry the load.
Meanwhile, the appeal of playing with a Super Bowl-contending team like the Bills could be hard for Allen to ignore. With Josh Allen at quarterback and a strong supporting cast, Buffalo represents a legitimate chance for Keenan Allen to compete for a championship—a key factor for a veteran player at this stage of his career.
If the Bears lose Allen to free agency, it raises questions about the team’s ability to attract and retain top talent as they enter a pivotal offseason. While the focus will be on Caleb Williams’ development, Chicago will need to ensure the rookie quarterback has the weapons and protection necessary to succeed. Letting a proven playmaker like Allen walk could hinder that effort.
As free agency looms, the Bears’ front office faces a tough decision: invest heavily in retaining Allen or let him walk and focus on building a younger, long-term receiving corps. Either way, the team’s ability to surround Williams with a competitive roster will define the success of their rebuild in the years to come.