After Mike Williams' retirement, Chargers considering another familiar receiver

Looking for a proven receiver to complement Ladd McConkey, the Los Angeles Chargers may be open to a reunion with six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen.

Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball ahead of Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers' Plan A to address their receiving void was to welcome back a familiar face. Could Plan B be exactly the same?

Then: Mike Williams. Now: Keenan Allen?

Head coach Jim Harbaugh's team is encouraged by rookie fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith and his impressive early training camp. It's also tantalized by the availability of Washington Commanders' proven veteran Terry McLaurin. But a new/old receiver in Allen.

But after Williams upended L.A.'s plans by retiring this offseason, Allen may come back and make the pursuit of McLaurin unnecessary. It may make even more sense for the Chargers and elite quarterback Justin Herbert.

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

McLaurin will be 31 next month and has made two Pro Bowls. Allen, who played his first 11 seasons for the Chargers, is 33 and earn six Pro Bowl trips. Several NFL sources are indicating there is "mutual interest" for a reunion on both sides.

Allen, who caught 70 passes and seven touchdowns last season with the Chicago Bears, visited the Pittsburgh Steelers last week but has turned them down.

“There’s two sides to the story. I mean, A-Rod being a quarterback, of course that interests you,” Allen said during a recent TikTok livestream. “But Pittsburgh? No.”

As the most productive receiver on the open market, Allen has gas left in the tank. He's reportedly looking to play for a team that could get him to a Super Bowl. Allen visited the Chargers on Friday.

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