Ryan Poles Already Eyeing Possible Keenan Allen Replacement
The Chicago Bears traded for Keenan Allen in March as a way to help quarterback Caleb Williams navigate his first season. However, their plans for the six-time Pro Bowler beyond 2024 remain murky. The wide receiver has offered indications he would like to stay in Chicago, but his attempts to engage in extension talks haven’t been reciprocated. Some believe GM Ryan Poles wants to see how he does health-wise this season first. Allen has missed a number of games over the past two years and is 32 years old.
The fact he is already dealing with a persistent heel injury isn’t doing him any favors. There is also the fact he will want considerable money in his next extension. Probably something among the NFL’s highest-paid. That isn’t something Poles is prone to doing with older players. So it would make sense if the Bears GM decided to get a head start on scouting possible replacements once Allen hits free agency next year. His latest scouting trip on the college circuit indicates that will be the case.
Keenan Allen is in a difficult spot.
While Missouri-Boston College features multiple draft prospects, most agree the Tigers wide receiver is the best of the bunch. If you’re looking for a carbon copy of D.J. Moore, Burden gets pretty close. Though on the shorter side at 5’11, he’s built thick at over 200 lbs, has 4.4 speed, sticky hands, and is at his most dangerous after the catch. He was almost unstoppable last season, going for over 1200 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. The year before that, he showcased his versatility with a touchdown on punt return duties.
Keeping Keenan Allen would be a nice way for the Bears to maintain continuity. However, Ryan Poles understands the business of the NFL. The smart thing to do is pay one of your players big money at a position and surround him with talented youngsters on cheaper deals. They already added Rome Odunze in this year’s draft. Adding Burden would be a great way to ensure Williams stays well-equipped. Chicago has three picks in the first two rounds next year. Don’t be shocked if Burden becomes one of them.