Keenan Allen signing with Chargers on $8.52 million contract to return home

Keenan Allen is headed home again. The veteran wide receiver and the Chargers agreed to a one-year deal on Tuesday, bringing Allen back to the team where he spent his first 11 seasons in the NFL.The deal is worth $8.52 million, according to NFL Media. Allen was dealt to the Bears in a salary cap move last year and had 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns during his lone season in the Windy City. He had worked out with the Chargers on Friday and will now reunite with quarterback Justin Herbert. “Obviously, we know how good he’s been throughout his career,” Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters, according to the Los Angeles Times, “and he’s out there on the market still, and [it was the] chance to bring someone of his caliber back we know can help us win games.”The 33-year-old receiver is returning to a different receiver room than the one he left, which includes slot receiver Ladd McConkey, who toppled several of Allen’s rookie receiving records last season. Hortiz didn’t seem too worried about any redundancy with Allen and Ladd now on the roster. “I think he can help us in multiple roles.I really believe that,” Hortiz said.”I think he’s been that way his whole career, and don’t see that being any different now.

… You guys know how Keenan has been used everywhere he’s been, you’ll see the same thing.A lot of versatility.”Allen’s return was spurred on by the retirement of Mike Williams at the beginning of training camp, and Hortiz explained that “[Williams] leaving may have opened more opportunity.”Allen was selected by the Chargers with the 76th pick in the 2013 draft and spent his entire career with the Chargers organization — starting in San Diego and continuing on with the team following the move to Los Angeles — before the surprising trade in 2024. He holds the franchise record for receptions (904) and receiving yards (10,530) by a wide receiver....