After laying down the groundwork and his philosophy in Los Angeles in his first year as Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh has another great receiver on the horizon as rookie Tre Harris joins Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in the Chargers receiving core, yet another receiver, with a little bit more experience may be of an advantage for LA’s young group, and a homecoming party could be getting set for Keenan Allen as he looks the best option to add some wisdom into the Chargers offense.
Harris, who was selected with the 55th overall pick in this year's draft, has impressed so far during training camp, and has been seen dominating during 1-on-1s, and has highlighted his elite separation and route running. However Harris isn't the only one who has been making great chemistry as Quentin Johnston hauled in 5 touchdowns in his last couple of reps in training camp so far, and is proving to be the reliable slot receiver he once promised. And finally McConkey who had an extremely impressive rookie year last year will be poised for another big year fort the Chargers, being arguably the face of the receiving core next season. And although they are all showing promising reps in practice, and improvement in each are of their games, they are all still young, all being 23 years old, and a veteran piece who can compliment and guide them further wouldn't be a bad idea at all.
33 year old Keenan Allen has been sat as a free agent for a long time now, and recent chatter with a number of unknown teams may mean his next destination is close, but a homecoming to a team he has gone through everything with makes the most sense. Especially after Mike Williams’ abrupt retirement, a veteran presence is needed on the team, and a reliable receiver who is proven in the NFL like Allen is a massive asset for any kind of situation which may occur. At a cheap price tag, likely around $10 million a year, they have the cap space, and the roster spot right there for him, a player who knows the city, the culture, and the team inside and out, there is no better option. Allen still managed to put up just over 700 receiving yards last season with the Bears, and caught 7 touchdowns, and as a receiver, he is as professional as anyone, and a no-brainer for the Chargers.
While McConkey, Harris, and Johnston are playing well in training camp, and showing high promise for next season, it will never hurt to have a veteran professional, and a reliable guy who can slot in at any point, and Allen is that guy. As a mentor, and X-factor guy, a slot receiver, and deep threat, Allen can still be all of them even at 33 years old, and as an asset on and off the field, the offense will only improve with his play and personality, and is more than just an emotional homecoming, but a smart, and calculated decision the Chargers really should make.
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