Free agent veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen is still on the market, but he could sign with the New Orleans Saints or the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2025 campaign. Nate Bouda of NFLTradeRumors put together a list of the top 100 free agents, and Allen is on top of the list, but after Aaron Rodgers’ signing with the Steelers, there could be more veterans getting signed just in time for mandatory camp this week. Even though Gabe Davis is attracting a market of visits, including the New Orleans Saints, the same can come soon for Allen, who is arguably still one of the best wideouts. Originally selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former California product became one of the most spectacular receivers in the league, setting records in receptions for receiving yards as a rookie with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Even though he spent pretty much his entire career with the Chargers, the team didn’t keep him due to age, and since they have a new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, building a new regime. Allen had his moments with the Bears in Caleb Williams’ development as a quarterback, but it wasn’t enough to re-sign again as a WR1. The wide receiver was brought up in several rumors, including a possible reunion with the Chargers, but those chances are slim since the team is embracing the rebuild with new weapons like Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris. Giants Wide Receiver Options
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) signals first down after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Saints, Chiefs Could Target Top 11 Free Agent Keenan Allen
No Quarterback? No Problem
Even though they’re bringing in Gabe Davis for a visit, it doesn’t guarantee that they will sign him. The Saints don’t have an adequate quarterback, so that means they should be targeting a veteran who can bring out the best in Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Allen has more experience and can spark this passing game just like Marquez Valdes-Scantling did last season, despite them having a disastrous 2024 campaign. Just because the Saints don’t have an answer at the quarterback position, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get more receivers to put either quarterback in the best position to win football games.
This should be the goal for head coach Kellen Moore’s first year as a head coach. While they have Brandin Cooks as veteran insurance, he doesn’t have the size and length that Allen does. Allen won’t take away starting reps from Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed, but could give this young evolving offense a chance to learn from one of the greats.
More Weapons for Mahomes
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs might be on a vengeance tour this upcoming season after brutally losing to the Eagles in this past year’s Super Bowl. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are the future of this pass offense for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but they did trade for DeAndre Hopkins last season for temporary relief. While they’re expected to have Marquise Brown at full health, they could have Keenan Allen in the background as reliable backup depth.