In a contract year, Keenan Allen is ready to prove himself with the Bears: 'I'm going to let the play speak for itself'

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Before the Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft in late April, they had to cement their conviction in him. One of the most important milestones in that process came in late March at USC’s pro day.

A large Bears contingent that included general manager Ryan Poles, assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron traveled to Los Angeles, where they encountered an unexpected guest wearing a navy blue hoodie pulled over a team-issued hat.

It was six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen, whom the Bears had acquired in a trade just one week earlier. After 11 years with the Chargers, Allen was preparing to move on with a new team, and he wasted no time getting to know his new quarterback Williams – even weeks before the first overall pick was officially announced.

“I had nothing better to do,” Allen said with a wry smile.

The visit by Allen was part of his effort to get acclimated with the Bears and the 22-year-old Williams, whom he hopes can throw him the football with the same poise and skill of former Chargers teammates Justin Herbert and Philip Rivers.

Just as Allen can benefit from Williams’ growth, Williams can benefit from the 32-year-old Allen's presence.

Allen has had 97 or more receptions in six of the past seven seasons, and he posted 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games in 2023. Allen is on track for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he decides to call it a career.

“All the NFL coaches have seen Keenan for a lot of years, and the first thing that comes to mind is that he’s crafty,” Eberflus said. “He is so crafty with his route running. It seems like he’s always open, even when I used to double cover him. He is crafty. He understands his body and understands his way. He’s really friendly to the quarterback because he’s a really big target, and he’s very good at what he does.”

The Bears acquired Allen to line up alongside returning top receiver DJ Moore, who hauled in a career-best 96 receptions last season. They then selected receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Chicago now boasts a core on offense that features a dynamic trio at wide receiver, a gifted running back in D’Andre Swift and a reliable tight end in Cole Kmet.

But Allen will be an important presence for the offense as a proven target and as a weapon who can draw more attention from opposing defenses.

“He’s fantastic,” Kmet said of Allen. “I’ve been watching for, whatever, 12 years now. It’s pretty impressive. It’s pretty impressive for sure.”

The Bears sent a fourth-round pick to the Chargers for Allen. They did so believing that Allen could be a key difference-maker for Williams and the offense, while the Chargers were looking to clear salary cap and get younger talent around Herbert.

Allen is now in the final year of his contract and facing an unknown future beyond the 2024 season. The Bears haven't initiated dialogue on an extension, and such discussions are unlikely to be held until during the season or perhaps next offseason.

Despite his past production, Allen still has to prove himself in a contract year.

“I’m going to let the play speak for itself,” Allen said. “And if they offer me something that I like, we’ll go from there.

"It’s been nothing but love. It’s been beautiful. The golf is amazing, which I love to do. And the guys are amazing in the locker room as well. So, it wouldn’t be hard to adjust to a city like this."

Allen wasn't present with the Bears during parts of OTAs in recent weeks as he returned home to Los Angeles to be with his family. But when he has been in Chicago, Allen has worked to build a strong connection with Williams, who has led workouts with Allen, Moore, Odunze and Kmet away from Halas Hall. They've also sat in a suite at Wrigley Field for a Cubs game and were seated courtside at Wintrust Arena to see the Sky play a preseason game.

Allen understands his key role with the Bears and how his play can influence his own future. That first means connecting with Williams and becoming a fixture for his new team.

With that in mind, Williams hopes he can secure a future with the Bears.

“That’s the goal right now — is to go out and do what I always do," he said. "And just try to remain who I am."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .