The LA Chargers made the difficult decision to trade Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears in March. Needing to clear salary cap space to stay within salary cap limits, the Chargers traded Allen to Chicago for just a fourth-round pick after failing to agree on a contract extension that could have created the necessary salary cap space.

Allen was unsuccessful in negotiating an extension with the Bears as no deal was reached before the season. Since then, the veteran wideout has fallen into disarray in a disappointing Chicago offense, reducing his free agency value.

Allen, who is an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, was pretty candid about his future during an appearance with David Kaplan The big dog show. Allen openly admitted that he would either re-sign with the Bears or return to LA. The experienced wideout is not interested in any other path.

Allen didn’t name the Chargers, but said “back to LA.” It’s pretty safe to say that Allen was mentioning a return to the Chargers, not a return to Los Angeles to play for the Rams. Plus, with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams have no real reason to sign Allen anyway.

This is a pretty big deal since players are rarely so open about their future. Allen has made it pretty clear that he is not interested in signing with a bad team like the New York Giants. He either wants to stay where he is or return home.

Granted, Allen’s tune could change if neither the Chargers nor Bears want to pay him, or if a rival team goes overboard with an offer he can’t refuse. However, Allen’s favorite destinations are now undeniable and this officially opens the door for a reunion next season.

Finally, the Chargers were in talks about an extension with Allen before trading him, so there is interest in keeping him beyond 2024. It was the contract numbers that the two sides disagreed on. After Allen’s 2024 season, the two teams are likely to have a stronger understanding.

Los Angeles is in desperate need of wide receiver support this offseason, and while Tee Higgins has become a dream target for many fans, no one would scoff at the idea of ​​bringing Allen back. Giving Justin Herbert his old security blanket to combine with his new security blanket (Ladd McConkey) would only bring good results.

It would also give Allen a chance to secure his rightful spot atop the Chargers’ franchise receiving rankings. Allen is second in Chargers history in both receptions and receiving yards, trailing Antonio Gates with 41 receptions and 1,311 receiving yards. One more season in LA would give him the receiving record, two more would solidify the receiving record.

This record-breaking reunion could now become a reality after Allen’s comments.