LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — After 11 years with the Chargers, veteran receiver Keenan Allen didn’t get to choose the Bears.
A trade back in March that sent Allen to Chicago marked the end of his tenure in Los Angeles and put him at an inflection point in his esteemed career. What followed has been a season of highs and lows for Allen with the Bears, who went from playoff hopefuls to an in-season firing of head coach Matt Eberflus last week.
It hasn’t exactly gone to script for Allen, but he remains content.
“You take it for what it is, honestly,” Allen said Thursday at Halas Hall. “It’s a new start for me, a new position and a new place. After talking with DJ (Moore), he wants me to run it back. So, we’ll see.”
So, does Allen actually want to be back with the Bears in 2025?
“Yeah,” he said. “Absolutely.”
Allen hasn’t yet discussed a potential return with Bears general manager Ryan Poles. He changed agencies back in June, leaving his longtime representation for Klutch Sports Group. The move came as Allen is set to hit free agency at the age of 32.
Allen has 44 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He was limited by plantar fasciitis early in the season. Allen is healthier now and serving as a key target for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
The 23-year-old Williams' talent is part of why Allen still sees promise with the Bears.
“His potential is through the roof,” Allen said. “You see that through the weeks. He’s still having good games. His QBR is great. This turnover percentage is great. Just being about to do that and learning the defenses and the offenses at the same time is tough in itself. I think the sky’s the limit for his talent.”
Allen has been a key voice in the Bears locker room. Earlier in the season, he worked to bridge a gap between his teammates – notably Williams – and a coaching staff that wasn't catering to its players' strengths in scheming game plans.
With the Bears' firing of Eberflus, Allen is hopeful for change under interim head coach Thomas Brown's watch. Then comes a coaching search that's pivotal for the team’s future.
Allen should have plenty of opportunities available in the open market. Before then, he's focused on the Bears' final five games of the season.
“You always keep going, always keep working to get better,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, you have to work hard for yourself and obviously the team goals come.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.