The Chicago Bears brought in veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen during the 2024 offseason to provide rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, their top draft pick, with a dependable target alongside star receiver DJ Moore.
Though the Bears likely wouldn’t be eager to trade Allen, especially with him hitting his stride in Chicago, GM Ryan Poles is always on the lookout for young offensive linemen. This raises the question: Could a deal involving Allen and a raw offensive line talent with untapped potential be on the table?
In Philadelphia, the Eagles boast one of the strongest offensive lines in the league, with impressive depth. Several young linemen are awaiting their chance to shine, including Tyler Steen. A 2023 draft pick, Steen is known for his versatility, capable of playing both guard and tackle. While he hasn’t cemented himself as a starter, he’s a valuable backup on the Eagles’ stacked offensive line. Could a trade sending Steen to Chicago in exchange for Allen be a feasible option? Let’s explore the possibility.
Would Chicago Bears Trade WR Keenan Allen?
NFL insider Peter Schrager has pointed out Keenan Allen as a player to watch as the trade deadline approaches. With Allen in the final year of his $80 million contract and a cap hit exceeding $23 million this season, the Bears are under no obligation to keep him beyond 2024. If the team is open to listening to offers, here’s a possible trade scenario:
**Bears Receive:** Tyler Steen (Eagles OL), 2024 4th-round pick
**Eagles Receive:** Keenan Allen (Bears WR)
In this deal, the Bears would continue their rebuild, focusing on the future. Trading Allen, who remains productive but is in the later stage of his career, for a young offensive lineman like Steen could help form a part of their core moving forward.
Given their recent struggles in protecting the quarterback, the Bears could benefit from more depth and long-term development on the offensive line. Steen, despite limited starts, has shown promise in his two seasons, allowing 7 hurries and 1 pressure in 100 pass-blocking snaps without surrendering a sack (according to PFF). His versatility across guard and tackle positions would be a valuable asset for a team in need of stability up front.
Additionally, acquiring a fourth-round pick would give Bears GM Ryan Poles more flexibility in future drafts. By bolstering the offensive line and continuing to develop young receivers like Rome Odunze and Tyler Scott, the Bears could prioritize building around Caleb Williams for long-term success.
Why Would the Philadelphia Eagles Consider This Trade?
The Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but adding depth at wide receiver could be a smart move, especially considering injuries and some inconsistency in the position group. Keenan Allen’s arrival would provide quarterback Jalen Hurts with a proven, reliable target, complementing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, particularly in short-to-intermediate routes where Allen thrives.
Philadelphia is clearly in “win-now” mode, following their recent Super Bowl appearance and Hurts’ rapid development. While trading away a young offensive lineman like Tyler Steen might sting, the Eagles’ strong O-line depth gives them the flexibility to make such a move. Bringing in a veteran wideout like Allen could help elevate their offense further, making them even more dangerous in a push for another title.
For the Bears, this trade would help them get younger and add more depth to their offensive line, addressing a crucial area of need. At the same time, the Eagles would gain a reliable receiver without drastically diminishing their O-line depth. This could be a win-win scenario based on both teams’ current priorities.
However, it’s important to note that the Bears signed Allen for a reason, and he’s still producing, as evidenced by his recent two-touchdown performance in Week 6. Allen has become a security blanket for rookie QB Caleb Williams, making it less likely that Chicago will part ways with him so soon. While anything is possible as the trade deadline looms, Allen may ultimately stay put despite the trade rumors.
