Getty Image / Patrick McDermott
Things have not been pretty for Chicago Bears fans lately, to say the least. But, things are looking up after a strong finish to the 2023 season and the most draft capital in the league heading into next month’s NFL Draft.
Now, the team has made a huge splash, as they acquired Chargers superstar wide receiver Keenan Allen on Thursday night. That could signify that Chicago is looking to seriously compete in the NFC sooner rather than later.
Scoopage… Bears have traded for WR Keenan Allen sending Chargers a fourth rounder. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 15, 2024
The Chicago Bears have the first-overall and ninth-overall selections in this year’s NFL Draft, and are likely to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first-overall pick next month. They acquired an excellent defensive end in Montez Sweat at the trade deadline last year, signed Deandre Swift in free agency, and now have a great wide receiver in Keenan Allen to pair with fellow wideout DJ Moore.
The only reason you’d make a move for a guy like Keenan Allen, a veteran with a big cap hit, is you think you can be a playoff team next season. And, I don’t blame the Bears for thinking they can make the playoffs next year.
The NFC is the significantly weaker conference on paper. If Caleb Williams comes in and plays at even a league-average level, there’s no reason they can’t win three more games than last year to go from 7-10 to 10-7. Plus, they get to play the other last-place teams in the NFC next year, and they should be much better than the Commanders, Panthers, and Cardinals next season.
Keenan Allen has been one of the league’s best receivers since entering the league in 2013, and is over 10,000 yards for his career. That includes over 1,200 yards last year in just 13 games. If he stays healthy, he will be a reliable veteran target for whomever the Bears quarterback is next year.