Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz spoke to local reporters on Thursday for the first time since wide receiver Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears a week ago.
Asked about Allen, Hortiz said they explored “multiple options” before their eventual final measure.
“There was extensions, there was everything. We kind of went down every path, and in the end, this was the one that fit us best and fit him best.”
Allen was asked about a potential extension with Chicago at his introductory Bears presser last week. There seems to be mutual interest on both sides in getting something done there, as the former Chargers’ receiver said something could be done “down the line”. While nothing is imminent, he said he expects to remain a Bear past the 2024 season.
It’s worth noting that the extension offered to Allen and what the star receiver was willing to take are probably different figures. Mike Evans received a two-year, $52 million contract extension with Tampa Bay earlier this offseason. As Allen aims for what could be his final big-money NFL extension, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that deal used as a framework by his team.
Considering it’s been reported that the team asked him to take a pay cut prior to the trade along with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, it seems unlikely that the AAV or guaranteed structure offered on a new deal probably would’ve ended up satisfying Allen.
The Chargers will technically be more rich with cap space next offseason than the Bears. But as the Bears look to be staring down a cost-controlled, five-year contract with star prospect Caleb Williams, it’s understandable that they may feel more confident in their ability to complete this deal.
We’ll likely never know what went down with Allen and the front office or what the financials were exactly. The pressure of getting a proper plan of WR succession going at April’s draft has ratcheted in intensity one week after the Chargers moved on from both Allen and Mike Williams.
