The Los Angeles Rams have the flexibility to adopt a best-player-available strategy in the 2025 NFL Draft but could still enhance their roster through free agency. Despite signing Davante Adams, they might benefit from adding veteran receiver Keenan Allen.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified the Rams as a strong fit for Allen.
“Even if Allen isn’t the perennial Pro Bowler he once was, he’s a smart, experienced receiver with excellent route-running skills and reliable hands,” Knox wrote on March 23.
Allen could complement the Rams’ receiving corps, which lost Demarcus Robinson in free agency. His ability to create separation would align well with Sean McVay’s offensive scheme, making him a valuable red-zone target for Matthew Stafford.
In 2024, Allen recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns with the Chicago Bears. He started slowly, posting 30 catches for 282 yards and two touchdowns over the first eight games, but found his rhythm in Weeks 12-16, finishing that stretch with 32 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns.
A six-time Pro Bowler with the Los Angeles Chargers, Allen remains unsigned ahead of his 33rd birthday in April. However, a history of soft-tissue injuries may impact his market.
Keenan Allen’s West Coast Preference
Allen spent his first 11 NFL seasons with the Chargers and played college football at California. He has expressed a desire to either return to the West Coast or remain with the Bears in 2025.
“It’s Chicago or I’m back to LA,” Allen said on “The Big Dog Show” with former teammate Marcedes Lewis and David Kaplan in November 2024. “We’re not going to another [team].”
Knox noted that Allen’s 2024 season was underwhelming but pointed out that Chicago’s offense as a whole struggled. In 2023, Allen earned a Pro Bowl nod after tallying 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns with the Chargers. With over $132 million in career earnings, he may prioritize a championship opportunity over a lucrative deal.
Do the Rams Even Need Allen?
The Rams frequently utilized 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers), ranking second only to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 with an 81.3% usage rate. However, they ranked 15th in total passing attempts, while Stafford finished 12th among quarterbacks.
Additionally, TuTu Atwell is expected to take on a larger role in 2025. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported on March 6 that the Rams are restructuring their receiving corps around Puka Nacua while moving on from Demarcus Robinson. Atwell is projected to step into the downfield “X” receiver role and contribute in motion and sweep plays.
With Nacua as the focal point, Adams replacing Cooper Kupp, and Atwell stepping into Robinson’s spot, the Rams may have little need for Allen.
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