Fresh Off Trade To Chicago Bears, Keenan Allen Hints At Contract Extension

Justin Jefferson’s record-setting contract on Monday sent shock waves around the league. With wide receivers commanding more money than ever, the league’s stars are looking to cash in.

For Keenan Allen, he wants one last big payday.

At 32 years old, in the final year of his $23 million deal, Allen likes what the Bears are building and started planting the seed in General Manager Ryan Poles‘ mind that he is open to staying.

“As far as an extension, I’m going to let the play speak for itself, and if they offer me something that I like, we’ll go from there.”

While the WR has yet to play a down for the Bears, Allen can see the potential. Chicago took QB Caleb Williams with the #1 pick in the NFL draft this year, and early signs out of off-season workouts point to a successful selection. The rebuild also included drafting WR Rome Odunze at #9 to pair with Allen and D.J. Moore in his second season in Chicago. The trio should lead to a high-powered offense for the Williams, but with many talented receivers on the roster, it may affect Allen getting the money he feels he deserves.

Allen joins a long list of skill players looking for new contracts. Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins made a trade request two months ago in hopes of a new deal, but nothing has materialized. After Jefferson’s new contract, Tyreek Hill‘s agent said he would ensure his client gets his money reworked to make him a top-five highest-paid WR in the NFL.

After being drafted in the third round, Allen played the first 11 years of his career with the Chargers. Last season, he finished with over 100 catches and 1,000 yards, proving that he can still be a difference-maker. Los Angeles traded him away in March to the Midwest for a fourth-round pick, needing to make difficult personnel decisions because of their salary cap space.