The Los Angeles Chargers made the long-awaited move to bring back wide receiver Keenan Allen official on Tuesday, signing him to a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million.
Allen reunites with the team he spent 11 seasons with before being traded to the Chicago Bears last spring. Allen, a third-round pick in 2013, is one of the best wide receivers in Chargers history and the fanbase has been clamoring for this move to happen ever since it became an idea that made its rounds through the NFL media.
In his lone season with the Bears, Allen still snagged 70 passes as the team’s No. 3 option in the passing game, which rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led. He should be able to come in and pick up right where he left off in L.A., giving Justin Herbert a trusted option to go to with the football.
The signing of Allen creates an opportunity for some history to be made this coming season.
Former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was just enshrined as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past Saturday. His 955 career receptions currently rank No. 1 in team history. Allen is No. 2, nipping at his heels.
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With 904 receptions as a Charger, Allen could become the all-time receptions leader in team history if he catches 52 passes this season. Though his best days as a player are behind him now at 33 years old, the only season in which he had less than 52 catches came in 2016, when he tore his ACL in the season opener.
Chargers All-Time Leaders in Receptions
| Player | Receptions | Played From |
| Antonio Gates | 955 | 2003-2018 |
| Keenan Allen | 904 | 2013-2023 |
| Charlie Joiner | 586 | 1976-1986 |
| Kellen Winslow | 541 | 1979-1987 |
| LaDainian Tomlinson | 530 | 2001-2009 |
| Lance Alworth | 493 | 1962-1970 |
With a big season, Allen could also have an outside shot at breaking the team’s all-time career receiving yardage mark, also held by Gates. He would need 1,312 yards receiving to break that record as well. He’s not going to touch Gates’ 116 career touchdowns, but he could leave as the top pass-catching wide receiver in Chargers history and create his own argument for future entry into the Hall of Fame.
Additionally, Allen could play well enough and decide to continue his career and play with the Chargers beyond this season. If that’s the case, Gates will go to No. 2 in the record books in a couple of categories.
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