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Keenan Allen ‘stunned and hurt’ by Chargers fallout, per report. Here’s why originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Chargers — in a shocking move — traded Keenan Allen to the Bears on March 14 for just a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was an eye-popping move, considering Allen spent the last 11 years with the Chargers.
According to a new report from ESPN, the move “stunned and hurt” Allen. Here’s why, and how it all unfolded.
Newly appointed general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh were forced with the task of getting the Chargers under the league’s salary cap ahead of the new league year. Close to the deadline, they were $20 million over the cap.
Luckily, they agreed to restructured contracts with star edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa which saved them $24 million. They also released wide receiver Mike Williams, saving them an additional $20 million in cap space.
In 2023, Allen — despite missing four games with a heel injury — finished with arguably his best season to date. He made 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. Allen earned his sixth Pro Bowl nod from the season, too. Because of that, he didn’t expect the Chargers to approach him, too, about taking a pay cut, according to the report.
But they did. According to Allen’s agent, Joby Branion, the Chargers made an offer with a two-year extension, which ESPN reports was a pay cut under his average base salary of $18 million per season. Allen’s team countered, according to his agent, and the Chargers declined. They decided to trade him shortly after.
According to the ESPN report, the Chargers’ insistence on Allen taking a pay cut was a “source of confusion and frustration” for him, considering the Chargers were already under the cap at that point. But Hortiz later explained he wants wiggle room to improve other facets of the roster, as well as flexibility for in-season signings and trades.
But the Chargers unwillingness to negotiate or work with Allen is what…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/keenan-allen-stunned-hurt-chargers-204608918.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-03-28 20:46:08
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