The Steelers, currently boasting a 10-3 record, refrained from making a major move at wide receiver during the 2024 offseason. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin recently expressed strong confidence in the team’s current receiving corps following a victory over the Cleveland Browns.
However, the possibility remains that Pittsburgh could look to bolster its receiving group next offseason. Bleacher Report made the case for the Steelers signing veteran wideout Keenan Allen.
“Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, and even Mike Williams have all contributed as solid No. 2 options alongside Pickens. But adding more talent to the receiving room would benefit the team,” Bleacher Report wrote.
“Keenan Allen hasn’t posted big numbers for the Bears this season, but he’s a reliable veteran. It’s worth seeing if he could bounce back in a more effective offense next year,” the article continued.
Allen has recorded 47 receptions for 471 yards and five touchdowns this season. Yet, he was a Pro Bowler just last year, amassing 108 catches, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The veteran receiver will be a free agent next spring. He signed a four-year, $80.1 million extension with the Chargers during the 2020 season.
How Keenan Allen Could Fit With the Steelers
This past offseason, the Steelers came close to acquiring wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the deal fell through at the last minute.
Adding Aiyuk would have paired two big-play threats in the Pittsburgh offense. George Pickens led the NFL in yards per reception last season, making him a premier deep-threat receiver.
Although Allen doesn’t offer Aiyuk’s explosiveness, particularly as he approaches age 33, his skill set could complement Pickens well.
Allen has built his career as a possession receiver, averaging 11.6 yards per catch but with an impressive 6.3 receptions per game. Over five seasons, he has surpassed 100 receptions, serving as a reliable chain mover.
Paired with Pickens’ ability to stretch the field, Allen could add a new dimension to the Steelers’ passing attack.
In his 12-year NFL career, Allen has totaled 951 receptions, 64 touchdowns, and over 11,000 receiving yards, achieving the latter milestone in Week 14 of the 2024 season.
Allen Expresses Interest in Returning to Bears
While Allen is an enticing option for the Steelers, Bleacher Report’s prediction assumes he will hit free agency. However, Allen himself expressed a desire to remain with the Bears.
“Yeah,” Allen said on December 8 when asked if he wanted to return to Chicago in 2025. “Absolutely.”
The final decision may come down to finances. Spotrac projects Allen’s market value at $33.1 million for his next contract, with an annual average salary of $16.6 million.
That price tag could be steep given Allen’s 2024 production, but the Bears have the cap flexibility to retain him, with $82.2 million in projected space for 2025.
The Steelers, by contrast, are estimated to have $57.2 million in cap space next offseason. However, they must address their quarterback situation before targeting free agents.
