NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Keenan Allen unconcerned by QB dilemma as Caleb Williams-Justin Fields decision awaits originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — In 11 years with the Los Angeles Chargers, wide receiver Keenan Allen always produced, no matter who was throwing him the football. He started his career by catching passes from likely Hall of Famer Philip Rivers before transitioning to rising star Justin Herbert in 2020 after a brief cameo from Tyrod Taylor.
The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, whom the Bears acquired Thursday for a 2024 fourth-round pick, arrives in Chicago as the Bears are in the middle of solidifying their long-term quarterback plans.
Justin Fields showed growth in 2023. However, the Bears landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft via the Carolina Panthers and will have the opportunity to select USC star quarterback Caleb Williams. All signs point to the Bears moving on from Fields and tabbing Williams as the face of their franchise, but a final decision has not been publicly conveyed.
Allen arrives in Chicago in the final year of his contract. The soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver indicated that he envisions a future in Chicago past 2024 but doesn’t have a timeline for a potential contract extension. The current quarterback uncertainty in Chicago doesn’t phase him.
“Nah, not really,” Allen said Saturday during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall. “Justin [Herbert] wasn’t certain when he first got there. Obviously, we had the battle with him and Tyrod after Philip left, and Tyrod was the guy going into the season, and then Herbo had to step up and be as great as he is.”
Allen has watched Williams play and has been impressed by the talent that saw the USC star throw for 72 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions in the past two seasons at USC.
“Hell of an athlete,” Allen said of Williams. “Obviously, he can make tremendous plays with his feet, with his arm. Looks like he knows the game really well. Really good.”
If the Bears were to…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/keenan-allen-unconcerned-qb-dilemma-154907597.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-03-16 15:49:07
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
