One year after the Los Angeles Chargers traded him to Chicago, Keenan Allen is coming home.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Chargers are signing the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to a one-year, $8.52 million contract. The deal reunites Allen with quarterback Justin Herbert and brings back one of the most productive — and popular — players in franchise history.
The move comes after Allen visited the team last week. Head coach Jim Harbaugh hinted then that interest was mutual, telling The Athletic’s Daniel Popper:
“Dating back from when I first took the job, competitors welcome at the Los Angeles Chargers, and the interest has always been there with Keenan.”
Keenan Allen Signed By The Chargers
Allen, 33, was a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2013 and quickly became one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers. In his 11 seasons with the Bolts, he racked up 904 receptions for 10,530 yards and 59 touchdowns — ranking second in franchise history in both catches and yardage, behind only Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates. He is already the franchise’s all-time leader in both categories among wide receivers.
The Chargers traded Allen to the Bears last offseason for a fourth-round pick, and he went on to post 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games with Chicago. Still, his rapport with Herbert remains unmatched — no player has caught more touchdowns from Herbert than the 24 Allen hauled in during their time together.
For Los Angeles, Allen’s return comes at a time of significant change in the wide receiver room. They have moved on from several familiar names, and the offense will now blend new faces with one of its most trusted veterans.
Allen’s leadership and reliability in critical moments — earning him the nickname “Mr. 3rd Down” from former teammate Khalil Mack — could provide a needed spark. Mack said earlier this summer that Allen’s return would “be a boost” for the team.
While it remains to be seen how large a role Allen will play in 2025, his return ensures the offense gets back one of its most consistent and clutch weapons — and gives Herbert a familiar target to lean on as Harbaugh’s first season in Los Angeles kicks off.
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