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Keenan Allen intends on returning to the Chargers in free agency this offseason
The Los Angeles Chargers were once again bounced in the wild-card round of the playoffs, leading to some big changes being made early in the offseason. The biggest of the bunch saw head coach Jim Harbaugh fire offensive coordinator Greg Roman, but it didn’t take long for Harbaugh to replace Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
In his new role as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, McDaniel will be tasked with getting a group led by talented quarterback Justin Herbert back on track. Los Angeles doesn’t know if it will have one of Herbert’s top targets in the passing game at its disposal, though, as wide receiver Keenan Allen is set for free agency. However, Allen recently made it very clear what his plans for the offseason are, and they will surely delight the Chargers and their fans.
Keenan Allen Intends on Re-Signing with Chargers in Free Agency
Keenan Allen via @ZachGelb saying he “fully intends” to play football in 2026 and be on the Chargers
Allen spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Chargers, and he established himself as one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league. With Los Angeles needing to shed salary after the 2023 season, though, Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears, even though he was coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career (108 REC, 1,243 YDS, 7 TD).
In 2024, Allen never really panned out with the Bears, and he ended up signing back with the Chargers last offseason. Working alongside Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, Allen reprised his role as Herbert’s security blanket, and while his numbers weren’t what they used to be (81 REC, 777 YDS, 4 TD), his rapport with Herbert is tough to ignore.
Free agency looms for Allen once again, and at 33 years old, it’s fair to wonder how many more years he has left in the league. Ahead of Super Bowl LX, though, Allen promptly shot down the retirement rumors swirling around him, while also committing himself to the Chargers ahead of his impending free agency.
“Absolutely,” Allen said when asked if he intends on playing football in 2026 on “The Zach Gelb Show.” “Body feels good, healthy. Being in the locker room around guys like Ladd (McConkey), Justin (Herbert), it just keeps me young and able to do what I’m supposed to do.”
When asked right after if he intends on playing for the Chargers next season, Allen simply said, “100%,” meaning that unless L.A. doesn’t want him, he will be back in town for at least one more year.
Chargers, Keenan Allen Set to Reunite in Free Agency
GettyLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen in 2023.
It took a while for Los Angeles’ new look offense to get on track last season, but once it did, the passing attack looked lethal. The problem, of course, was that the Chargers’ offensive line could not protect Herbert late in the season, and that ultimately ended up being one of the main reasons why they were quickly eliminated in the playoffs by the New England Patriots.
Assuming Allen does end up returning for the 2026 campaign, that would be a big win for Herbert and the offense as a whole. Changes will need to be made elsewhere, though, so the earlier the team can re-up Allen, the easier that will make life for the front office. Anything can happen in the NFL, but it’d be a surprise if Allen isn’t playing for Los Angeles in 2026.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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