The free agent in question is Keenan Allen, a former Chicago Bears wide receiver. According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, he fits in well with the Commanders.
He cited 2024 NFL draft No. 1 pick Caleb Williams as “relying on Allen in a directionless offense that finished with the second-fewest passing yards and 28th in scoring for the 2024 campaign.” “The veteran receiver converted first downs on 43 of his 70 catches.”
Moton feels Allen “can do the same for a team with a young quarterback in the coming season.” Perhaps the Tennessee Titans will contact him, though he could be searching for offers from playoff-contending teams following a disappointing season in Chicago.”
The Commanders tick both boxes as a contender, led by Jayden Daniels, a gifted young quarterback. Last season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year would undoubtedly appreciate Allen’s enduring and niche qualities, which coexist well with Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.
Keenan Allen would make Jayden Daniels better.
A wideout with Allen’s ability to get open would only help Daniels’ growth. As Moton noted out, Allen is still “a chain-mover who can be a reliable red-zone threat.”
Few receivers are as effective between the numbers as Allen. At least when he’s well. Staying that way has proven difficult for a 32-year-old who has only played a full season four times since entering the league as a third-round choice of the then-San Diego Chargers in 2013.
When he’s not injured, Allen has been a reliable safety valve for his quarterbacks. Especially on third down.
Allen converted 43 of his 70 receptions into first downs last season, according to Pro Football Reference. According to ESPN, he averaged 10.2 yards on football money downs.
Allen’s long-term ability to beat coverage from the inside gives him a perfect complement to McLaurin and Samuel.
Commanders can form an elite trio of wide receivers.
McLaurin is already a game changer, but he performs his best work on the perimeter. His skill set is ideal for offensive coach Kliff Kingsbury, who prefers an outside receiver to be the focal point of his passing game and rarely changes his go-to target.
Kingsbury will be able to move Samuel around formations since the All-Pro has always been a mobile, dual-threat playmaker. What is missing is a natural in the slot.
Allen played 364 slot snaps in 2024, according to Player Profiler. Allen’s experience in this area gives him an immediate upgrade over last season’s third-round choice Luke McCaffrey, who struggled to make an impression.
Combining Allen, McLaurin, and Samuel would provide Daniels with an excellent combination of pass catchers. Doing so fits the Commanders’ win-now mentality this offseason, as evidenced by the trades for Samuel and All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
It would be better to spend a few more free agency dollars on Allen than to use the draft to find a receiver. It makes sense to locate a youngster to replace a starter in the backfield.
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