Keenan Allen says trade from Chargers to Bears was business decision
Keenan Allen, a wide receiver, acknowledged on Saturday that he rejected the Chargers’ desire to rework his contract, which resulted in his unexpected trade to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. In his first news conference, Allen stated that it was just a business decision made by both sides.
One of the Chargers’ final connections to their time in San Diego, Allen spent 11 seasons with the team after being selected in the third round in 2013. “There really was no emotion,” he remarked. It said, ‘I refuse to do this. I refuse to do it. I just finished my best season, so that won’t happen.
With 108 receptions in the 2023 season, Allen broke running back Austin Ekeler’s record of 107 established in the 2022 season and set a new Chargers record. With 1,243 receiving yards in 2023, Allen also reached 10,000 yards for his career. This amount is second only to his 1,393 yards in 2017.
During his career, Allen was chosen for the Pro Bowl six times.
In Chicago, Allen told reporters, “I’m definitely excited about the new opportunity (with the Bears).” “Despite being a new organization, there are many traditions inside this one. Of course, I wanted to end my career (with the Chargers), but you have to persevere and face obstacles.
Allen, 31, was traded by the Chargers for a fourth-round selection in the next draft. He said that the New York Jets and Houston Texans were also considering signing him. The four-year, $80.1-million deal he signed in 2020 is still in effect as of this year. A $5 million bonus is owed to him on Sunday.
With a contract extension, Allen stated he would prefer to remain in Chicago.
After spending his entire career with the Chargers, he responded to being asked to adjust to playing for a new team by saying, “Just keep doing what I’ve been doing.” For me, only the shirt is different. The back will still bear that last name.
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