Despite a better production compared to 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers knew what Keenan Allen could provide. Consequently, it didn’t take long for many to wonder if his 13th season could be his last. However, before the rumors could grow any further, the wide receiver just put them to bed with a single, confident statement.

“Absolutely,” Keenan Allen told Zach Gelb in a recent interview with 365 Sports when asked about his return in 2026. “Body feels good, healthy… Able to do what I’m supposed to do.”

In fact, the WR even confirmed that he is “Hundred percent” willing to return to the Chargers with Mike McDaniel as the offensive coordinator.

The Chargers drafted the WR in 2013, and he became a centerpiece of their offense with quarterback Justin Herbert entering the league in 2020. He spent 11 seasons with them, but despite an impressive season, was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2024, as the franchise went approximately $23 million over the cap. However, he returned to Los Angeles last season, and returning for another year makes complete sense for both sides.

Allen’s market value of $6.8 million annually isn’t too steep for a 34-year-old veteran putting up solid production. If it is, he is more than willing to take less money to stay, as he has already clarified that he wants to retire as a Charger one day. But now is not the time, and for perfect reasons.

News served to you like never before!

Prefer us on Google, To get latest news on feed

Prefer Us on Google

The wide receiver became a primary target for Herbert this season, catching 81 of 122 throws that came his way. If he continues to give such a success rate, he can also cross the franchise record for yards, where he currently stands second with 11,307. He also leads the franchise with 985 receptions and has the third-most touchdowns (63).

But while his 2025 season was better in production than his lone season with the Bears, his homecoming did not go the way he intended.

Despite having a better catch percentage this season (66.4%) compared to last season (57.9%), the other metrics failed to do justice to Allen.

He played 15 games for the Bears, providing seven touchdowns and 10.6 Y/R. Returning to Los Angeles, he scored only four touchdowns, which was the lowest in a season when he played all games. There is a sharp 1.0 Y/R decline from his past season as well.

But, of course, he started only three of the 17 games he played for the Chargers. Previously, he was their usual starter at the WR position.

Such numbers further amplified his retirement chatter. But it looks like that won’t be enough to keep him down. Ready to bounce back next season, his shutting down the idea of playing for other teams early in the free agency already indicated that he did not want to leave the area with his family here. As for the Chargers, they wouldn’t want to break the camaraderie in the team once again.

Why the Chargers traded to the Bears

After the 2023 season, where Allen produced some of his most impressive numbers with the Chargers, he stood in the corner of the locker room as media questioned him about his future. His extension from the rookie contract had ended, but he knew he would return to the team. He had confirmed his stance that he would either be back or he would retire as a Charger.

But just days later, LA traded him to the Bears for a fourth-round pick (No. 110) in the 2024 NFL Draft. While it was a given that Allen wouldn’t take the move lightly, his teammates and the fans refused to believe it either.

Linebacker Daiyan Henley simply exclaimed, “Nah” on X and told a fan he was still “trying to convince myself first” that Allen’s trade was true. Meanwhile, tight end Donald Parham wrote on Instagram, “[We’re] just playing musical chairs.”

But after a 5-12 season, when the team ended up firing their head coach and general manager, the decision was made based on one reason: the Chargers were projected to be $27.5 million over the salary cap in 2024, and Allen was high on the potential cap casualty list, with a $34.7 million cap hit.

This time around, as his three-million/ one-year contract ends, Allen has already kept his options available for the Chargers. Moreover, he is also excited about the new OC, Mike McDaniel.

Keenan Allen believes Mike McDaniel is a genius

Mike McDaniel has replaced Greg Roman as the new Los Angeles Chargers‘ OC. He will return as an OC after four years, following his head coaching stint at Miami. Meanwhile, as Allen’s retirement decision remains up in the air, he has commented on the positivity McDaniel will bring to the franchise.

“Super excited about him,” said Keenan Allen. “I think he is going to be great for Justin [Herbert] and the offense. Being able to get Ladd the ball, moving him around, you know? He’s unique; he’s a genius. The way he creates plays is not like anybody else.”

In 2023, the Miami Dolphins hired McDaniel as their head coach. In his first year, he took the franchise from 6th in total offense (364.5 YPG) to the top (401.3 YPG). The Dolphins also led the league in passing offense (265.5 YPG). Under the offensive genius, the franchise excelled, and they also set the record for the largest Super Bowl era win when they defeated the Broncos 70-20.

However, with their quarterback situation still messy and McDaniel’s unsuccessful seasons with the Fins, he was dismissed after the 2025 season.

The last time McDaniel worked as an OC was in 2021. He helped the San Francisco 49ers earn the 7th rank in total offense (375.7 YPG), improving from their 15th-place ranking the previous season. It shows how highly qualified he is as an offensive coordinator.

With him taking charge of the offense, things could change for the Chargers as well, as they vie for the Super Bowl. He will also have Ladd McConkey, the second-best target for Herbert, and Keenan Allen at his disposal. It will be interesting to see how things line up for them after such an exciting development and if they bring Allen back for another Super Bowl pursuit.