After the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Houston Texans in the playoffs this year it became abundantly clear that the team needed more talent at pass catching positions.
They failed to find a viable solution with their biggest wide receiver signing being Mike Williams who tore his ACL just a-year-and-a-half ago.
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Although the former first-round pick is past his prime, the hope was that he would be able to help lure in his old teammate Keenan Allen.
Star quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh each had their own statements to the media about their desire for a reunion with Allen.
Unfortunately, after the whirlwind brought by the NFL draft, this avenue no longer seems plausible.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Soldier Field.© Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
The first sign that Allen might not be back in Los Angeles next season came when the team selected a receiver in the second round of the draft last weekend.
Add that along with the other pass catcher the team selected on the third day of the draft, and the Chargers now have nearly a completely full receiver room.
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A polarizing potential trade or cut option in Quentin Johnston, a second-year player in Ladd McConkey and two rookie receivers did not seem like enough to completely rule out an Allen reunion.
However, the Chargers just participated in a rookie tradition that likely kills the chance of bringing back the six-time Pro Bowler.
Los Angeles recently announced the numbers that all their rookies will be wearing, and they gave away Allen’s legendary No. 13.
To add insult to injury for the franchise legend, the team gave the number away to an undrafted free agent, D.J. Uiagalelei.
There is still a chance that Allen decides to suck it up and return, but with the way the Chargers have filled the holes at receiver and given away the legend’s number, the writing is on the wall that he will finish his career elsewhere.
Related: Mike Williams is Openly Lobbying for Keenan Allen to Return to Chargers