Keenan Allen aims to 'play as long as I can,' open to extension with Bears

Keenan Allen moved from Los Angeles to Chicago via trade this offseason, joining a new franchise for the first time in his 12-year NFL career.

The 32-year-old receiver wouldn’t object to spending more than a year in Chicago.

“I’m going to play as long as I can,” Allen said on Tuesday, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “As far as an extension, I’m going to let the play speak for itself, and if they offer me something that I like, we’ll go from there.”

With the Bears having DJ Moore under contract and drafting Rome Odunze, the club is in no hurry to extend Allen, but it could, depending on how the 2024 season unfolds.

As Allen noted, “the market just got reset” with Justin Jefferson‘s contract. With others in line for new deals — CeeDee Lamb, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk — the price for productive receivers should continue to go upward.

Allen, aged 32, is considered one of the NFL’s most dependable receivers, having achieved 108 catches, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 13 games last season. However, his career has been marred by injuries, leading to concerns about his performance. Over the past two seasons, Allen has been unable to participate in 11 games due to injuries.

If he remains healthy, Allen represents a veteran who rookie quarterback Caleb Williams can count on. If he plays 17 games and produces like he did in L.A., there will be a market for Allen in the offseason — if the Bears don’t pounce first.

Allen stated, “My current goal is to be myself and continue doing what I’m known for. The players are constantly improving. They’re younger, bigger, stronger, faster, and they continue to set higher standards. As long as they’re doing their job, it’s fine. And for veterans like me, we just keep doing our thing, take a supportive role, and earn our due.”

Third large contracts are uncommon in the NFL, but if Allen can demonstrate that his injuries from the last two seasons were an anomaly and not a pattern, someone will be willing to pay for his performance.