The Los Angeles Chargers enter the offseason more than $20 million over the 2023 NFL salary cap, with many contributors from this past season in danger of being cap casualties. After weeks of rumors surrounding Keenan Allen, general manager Tom Telesco provided a definitive answer on the Pro Bowl wideout’s future.
Los Angeles would create significant cap space if it cuts Allen or trades him this spring. Designating the 31-year-old wideout as a pre-June 1 cut would create $14.8 million in cap space and there would be $17.5 million in cap relief if designated as a post-June 1 release.
- Keenan Allen stats (2022): 66 receptions, 752 receiving yards, 39 first downs
Trading Allen also seemed like a viable possibility. With the top NFL free agents in 2023 thin at wide receiver, the Chargers could exploit the market. Dealing Allen to another team pre-June 1 would take $16.3 million off the payroll, space the franchise needs to sign quarterback Justin Herbert to a contract extension.
After weeks of speculation and rumors regarding Allen’s future in Los Angeles, though, Telesco made it clear the Pro Bowl receiver will remain with the team in 2023.
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“Keenan Allen, he’s our Andre Reed. He’s our Charlie Joiner. There’s no thought of that. We’re thrilled with Keenan.”
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco on Keenan Allen’s future with the team (H/T Will Selva)
Telesco began his career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills as an intern (1991-’94), witnessing what Reed meant to the franchise. While Buffalo ultimately parted ways with the Hall of Famer, it only happened after 15 seasons when the team moved on from Reed before his age-36 season.
Allen just finished his 10th NFL season and while durability is becoming a recurring issue, he remains an important part of the offense. Allen is also less than 300 receiving yards away from passing Lance Alworth for second place on the Chargers’ all-time receiving yards list and he is four receptions shy of becoming just the second player in team history with 800-plus receptions.
- Keenan Allen career stats: 796 receptions, 9,287 receiving yards, 52 touchdowns
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Ultimately, Allen will almost certainly be with the franchise next season and remain in his role as a go-to target for Herbert. However, the $23.1 million cap savings from releasing him in 2024 likely means this year will be his last with the Chargers.