The Denver Broncos have embraced the young movement. However, they still have work to do on both sides of the ball, particularly offence. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix lacked a solid second option, and Keenan Allen may fill that role.
Allen, 32, caught 70 catches for 744 yards and seven scores during 15 games with the Chicago Bears. The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.
Ian Hartitz of Fantasy Life played “free agent WR matchmaker,” connecting Allen with the Broncos.
His yards were his second-lowest total since tearing his ACL in the 2016 season. But Allen hit his stride late in the season, particularly from Weeks 12 to 16, when he posted a 32-412-5 line.
Allen is in the final year of his four-year, $80.1 million contract. According to Over The Cap, he has earned $132.9 million over his career.
According to Cap projections, the Broncos will have $34.8 million in room.
OTC values Allen at $10.7 million. That is more than Courtland Sutton, the Broncos’ wide receiver, will count against the cap in 2024 ($7.8 million). Sutton may potentially require a new contract on an expiring two-year, $27.5 million deal after renegotiating his four-year, $60 million contract in 2024.
The Broncos’ roster includes several young players, including 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims Jr. and 2024 rookie round picks Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin Jr.
None of them are legitimate slot alternatives, as Allen has been throughout his career.
He may be a safety valve for Nix, whose game is based on getting the ball out swiftly and correctly. Allen isn’t as fast or agile as he previously was. He remains a skilled route runner and is large enough for a slot position (he stands 6-foot-2).
However, the Broncos may face a greater battle if they pursue Allen in free agency this offseason.
Keenan Allen plans to play for the Bears or the LA team.
All of this implies that the Broncos are even a consideration for Allen. Based on his recent comments, that appears improbable.
“I will say this: I’m not playing – it’s Chicago or it’s back to LA,” Allen told David Kaplan and Bears teammate Marcedes Lewis on “The Big Dog Show” in November 2024. “We ain’t going to a new city.”
That would rule out the Broncos and numerous other prospective suitors for the wideout’s services.
The Broncos may still offer Allen a deal, but enticing him to play for a team other than the one on his unofficial list would be expensive.
They have further needs on that side of the ball, including tight end and possibly running back. Adding Allen might also give Franklin and Vele more time to improve their games, while Mims can keep his role on special teams and as a gadget player in the Broncos offence.
Free agency occurs before the draft, thus the matter should resolve itself swiftly.
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