Homecoming: Los Angeles Chargers legend returns home after being traded away last year originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
Bolts fans rejoice. In a move that should make football fans happy everywhere, Keenan Allen has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, returning to his old team of 11 years, after just one season with the Chicago Bears. Allen signed a one-year contract worth $8.52 million dollars with his former team.
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The signing had been rumored in recent weeks, and things quickly heated up when the team brought Allen in for an in-person visit over the weekend. It appears both sides were eager to get a deal done, and now Allen reunites with his old franchise and his old quarterback, Justin Herbert.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen is second only to Antonio Gates in receiving yards and receptions in Chargers history and is third in touchdowns. In his 52 games with Herbert, Allen had 376 receptions for 4,088 yards and 25 touchdowns.
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Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 season in a surprising move that saw the franchise ship off one of their last remaining legends. Due to a contract dispute and an effort to get younger at the position, the team moved on from Allen and drafted his replacement, Ladd McConkey, in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While McConkey was a revelation for the Chargers in his first season, the idea of bringing back Allen to pair with McConkey certainly was appealing for the Chargers’ decision-makers.
Even though Allen is entering his age-33 season, there is no reason to believe he still can’t compete at a high level. Allen finished last season with 70 receptions, 744 yards, and seven touchdowns, while playing in a largely dysfunctional offense. And yes, father time will come for Allen at some point. Allen’s game was never based on pure athleticism. He won with precise route running, body control, and exceptional hands.
The addition of Allen provides a much-needed veteran presence to the Chargers’ receiving room, which is full of talented but young players. The group, which still figures to be led by McConkey, will now be able to learn from Allen and see how the veteran goes about his business throughout the week in preparation. Additionally, the mismatch opportunities the Chargers offense can present with both Allen and McConkey on the field will give defensive coordinators nightmares, as they are both such elite separators and excel on third downs.
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Re-signing Allen wasn’t just about loyalty—it was a wise football move. The Chargers are ushering in a new era of offensive football, and having Allen as the bridge between past and future makes the transition smoother and brighter. Welcome back, 13.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.