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Chargers Turned Down Third-Round Pick in Keenan Allen Trade Discussions

Originally posted on FanNation Charger Report
By Jason Fray | Last updated 3/17/24

In the wake of Keenan Allen being dealt to the Chicago Bears, more news trickled out about the mechanics behind the deal.

Chicago relinquished a 2024 4th-round pick in exchange for the multi-time Pro Bowler. Allen had been asked to take a pay cut to free up some cap space to further build out the roster.

When Allen balked at the request, the Chargers decided to cut bait with the team's most prominent player. Chicago then leaped at the chance to add a proven commodity for the expected arrival of quarterback Caleb Williams.

There's no word on how long Allen was on the trade market. However, according to reporter Aaron Wilson, the Chargers were offered a higher draft choice by the Houston Texans.

#Texans got close on potential trade for Keenan Allen, who went to #Bears, with Houston offering 2025 third-round selection with a pick swap return, per league sources. Ultimately, he went to Bears for fourth-round pick 110th overall @KPRC2 https://t.co/e0OvG6LVeg
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2024

There are two noteworthy changes in this deal. Houston was offering a third-round pick in next year's draft along with a pick swap.

From L.A.'s vantage point, it could've been simply a case of wanting a younger player this year to expedite the rebuild. It's also conceivable that a player the Chargers like could be there for them in the fourth round.

We could look back at this deal and wonder why the Chargers wouldn't have taken what many would perceive to be a better asset. If it were the pick for Allen straight up, that may have gotten it done.

Pick swaps have become somewhat of a popular wrinkle in recent times throughout the NFL and especially the NBA. Regardless, the Chargers just sent away a guy who accrued more than 10,000 receiving yards and 59 touchdowns over the last 11 seasons.

With Allen now in the Windy City -- coupled with Mike Williams playing elsewhere -- conventional wisdom suggests the Chargers will take a receiver at No. 5 Overall in next month's draft.

This article first appeared on FanNation Charger Report and was syndicated with permission.

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