Ex-Bears $22M wide receiver could sign with Saints amid Derek Carr injury concerns

The Chicago Bears are entering a new era of football led by Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson. However, one player from last season is still a free agent and could find a new home soon.

The Bears traded for Keenan Allen last offseason from the Los Angeles Chargers. He had a decent year, but showed he is no longer the player he once was. Allen had just 744 yards, but did score seven touchdowns. Bleacher Report's Paul Kasabian tabbed the New Orleans Saints as an ideal landing spot for him.

Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that has left some uncertainty about who the starting quarterback will be.

"The Saints do have a backup plan in Tyler Shough, the ex-Louisville star who they selected 40th overall," wrote Kasabian. "But let's say Carr misses time in 2025 and the Saints hand the offensive keys to the rookie. He could use a productive and smart veteran who can add as a security blanket and chain mover. Enter Allen, who can fill that role."

The Saints did not draft any receivers, but they did sign Brandin Cooks in free agency. They also have Chris Olave. Allen and Cooks could be great complementary pieces to Olave, regardless of who the starting quarterback is. 2025, in all likelihood, will be a bridge year for the Saints, who many predict will target Arch Manning in next year's draft.

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However, if they plan on giving Shough a real shot at being their quarterback, then they may be wise to get him with a player like Allen. Allen is projected to sign a two-year, $22 million deal in free agency. He has 11,274 career receiving yards and 66 touchdowns. He is also a six-time Pro Bowler.

"Adding more depth in 2025 can certainly help the Saints, and Allen has shown to be incredibly productive when called upon regardless, so he could be a fit," wrote Kasabian.

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