How trade for ‘perfect fit’ Keenan Allen came together at right time for Bears’ new QB path originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
ORLANDO — Bears general manager Ryan Poles was in the market for a veteran wide receiver during the opening week of free agency. The Bears planned to bring in some notable names when an unexpected star became available in Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen.
The Bears knew Allen could become a cap casualty and quickly pivoted their focus to securing the soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver. A deal came together in a matter of hours as the Bears sent a 2024 fourth-round pick to Los Angeles to acquire Allen.
“That’s one of the things that our staff does really well, just identify potential cap casualties based on what other teams are looking to do,” Poles said Monday at the annual NFL league meeting in Orlando about the Allen deal. “We didn’t have total clarity on it, but when it happened we were able to adjust and get into some conversations that we could capitalize on it. My time in KC I watched him do some really cool things for a long period of time, and to watch the tape it actually blew me away of how high of a level he’s still playing at his age.”
Two days after acquiring Allen, Poles struck a deal to send quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. In sending Fields to Pittsburgh, Poles cleared the way for the Bears to draft a rookie quarterback, presumably Caleb Williams, with the No. 1 overall pick.
Allen is a savvy veteran receiver who excels at creating separation. When Allen went on the market, Poles saw an opportunity to make life a lot easier for Williams or whoever the Bears select.
“Keenan Allen popped up, which was a really cool opportunity for where we’re headed, which is going to be with a young quarterback,” Poles said. “I thought it was an absolute perfect fit. I don’t think there’s a better receiver in the league that can be better for a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/trade-perfect-fit-keenan-allen-193712926.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-03-25 19:37:12
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
