The Los Angeles Chargers are reuniting with a franchise legend.
On Tuesday, the team officially agreed to terms with wide receiver Keenan Allen, bringing back one of the most iconic players in Chargers history. After spending his first 11 seasons in powder blue, Allen is back where it all began.
Here are five things to know about his return:
No receiver has worn the Chargers uniform with more impact than Keenan Allen.
– He holds franchise records for receptions (904) and receiving yards (10,530).
– His 59 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time in team history, trailing only Lance Alworth and Antonio Gates.
– Allen has played 139 games, the seventh-most in franchise history, and reached 900 career receptions faster than any player in NFL history.
His consistency is unmatched:
– Most career games with 14+ receptions (6), 13+ receptions (8), 12+ receptions (12), and 11+ receptions (16).
– With just 51 catches and 1,311 yards separating him from Gates, Allen’s return could rewrite even more of the Chargers record books.
2. 🤝 Herbert’s Go-To Target
The chemistry between Justin Herbert and Allen has been a cornerstone of the Chargers offense.
– Herbert has thrown 25 touchdowns to Allen — more than to any other player.
– Their connection has produced 380 receptions for 4,125 yards.
– Their peak came in 2023, when Allen posted 108 catches, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 13 games.
Expect the duo to pick up right where they left off.
3. 📈 A Historic 2023 Season
Allen’s final year before leaving Los Angeles was arguably his finest.
– He earned Pro Bowl honors, set a franchise record with 108 receptions, and ranked sixth in the NFL with 1,243 receiving yards.
– His 95.6 yards per game marked a career high.
Week 3 was one for the ages:
– Allen caught a team-record 18 passes, racked up 215 yards, and even threw a touchdown pass — becoming just the third player ever to record 10+ catches, 100+ yards, and a passing TD in a single game.
– He also set an NFL record with his third career game of 15+ receptions, and became the third player ever with multiple games of 16+ catches.
– In November, he led the league with 474 receiving yards and set a record with 43 catches, the most ever in a single November.
4. 🧑🏫 Mentoring the New Generation
Allen returns to a wide receiver room full of fresh talent.
– Only Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis remain from his previous stint — both TCU products who spent their rookie seasons alongside Allen.
– Newcomers Ladd McConkey, Tre’ Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith now have the chance to learn from one of the most polished and respected veterans in the game.
Allen’s leadership will be invaluable as the Chargers develop their next generation of pass catchers.
5. 🐻 Back from Chicago
Allen spent the 2024 season with the Bears, and he made his presence felt.
– He led the team with seven receiving touchdowns, and ranked second with 70 receptions for 744 yards in 15 games.
– Though primarily used in the slot, he lined up outside on 272 snaps — his most since 2019, per Pro Football Focus.
– He finished the season strong, posting 40 catches, 462 yards, and five touchdowns over the final seven games.
Now back in Los Angeles, Allen brings experience, production, and leadership — ready to write the next chapter of his storied career.
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