The Chicago Bears welcomed plenty of new faces to the roster this offseason, be it through free agency, trade or the NFL draft.
There were some key veteran additions made by general manager Ryan Poles, including the acquisitions of Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen via trade, as well as All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett in free agency.
With that in mind, our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts on which veteran newcomer is poised to have the biggest impact in 2024.
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
GM Ryan Poles has done everything to make this as perfect a situation for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams as possible. That included trading for Pro-Bowl wideout Keenan Allen, giving Chicago one of the best receiving trios in the league alongside DJ Moore and rookie Rome Odunze. While Allen could very well be a one-year rental — especially given the receiver market and Moore and Odunze on the roster — his potential impact on offense with a rookie in quarterback Caleb Williams is vital.
Allen’s had at least 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in five of the last seven seasons. Last season, he was sixth in the NFL with 108 receptions — and he did that in just 13 games — for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. While his numbers might not be as much with multiple mouths to feed, he’ll be a focal point of this offense. Outside of his on-field production, Allen will serve as a veteran leader in the locker room with young players like Odunze and Tyler Scott.
Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs with the ball during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a chance he’s only in town for one season, but it’s going to be one to remember when it comes to Keenan Allen’s impact on the 2024 Bears offense. Take a look at the targets from the 2020 season when Justin Herbert became the starter for the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen had 10 games with 10 or more targets; three of those games resulted in 10 or more receptions in a season in which he caught 100 receptions. He was the lynchpin for that offense and helped kickstart Herbert’s career. He can and will do it again, but this time with Caleb Williams. Don’t forget the other players at the receiver position, though.
Allen can teach so much to young players like Rome Odunze and Tyler Scott. They can only learn from his expertise and preparation, especially his route-running. On the field, though, Allen opens up many more opportunities for his teammates, and key weapons like DJ Moore and Cole Kmet are going to find themselves with favorable matchups at certain times.
The 32-year-old Allen has been called a “crafty” player by teammates and coaches. Hobby Lobby may not be open on Sundays, but Allen sure will be. Everyone on the Bears will benefit from his presence.
Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) leaves the field after beating the Los Angeles Chargers in overtime at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.
Yeah, I know, I know. I’m going to be that guy. There’s no debate that savvy Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen will be an invaluable asset to the offense. However, when the question pertains to which veteran addition will have the biggest impact, my vote goes to Byard. The defense is on the cusp of greatness; a couple key upgrades could transform it into a stingy unit that opposing offenses will have nightmares about. The addition of Byard completes what was already an immensely talented defensive backfield, with the veteran safety bringing intelligence, intensity and stability to the starting safety spot opposite Jaquan Brisker.
Allen will certainly bring another dimension to Chicago’s passing attack, but if we’re discussing what player will have an immediate impact, I don’t believe it’s him. As excited as we are to see the new-look offense in action, that side of the ball is a step behind the defense. Rookie QB Caleb Williams may have all the tools but he’s still a rookie, and the offensive line still has several question marks. Such deficiencies may not allow Allen to demonstrate the skill that’s made him one of the most dangerous wideouts in the league. What are the defense’s shortcomings? One pass-rusher. Byard fills the only other spot that was deemed as a weakness.
Byard may not emit the same gravitas of his offensive counterpart, but his play will do wonders for the defense.
Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball against the against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Pretty much everyone is going to say that Keenan Allen will be that guy for the Chicago Bears but it is the correct answer. You can’t overstate what bringing a veteran like that in can do for the offense as a whole.
Allen is a receiver that has been elite in his NFL career and a part of some pretty good offenses. With a rookie QB coming in, he will be great in the huddle. He will also help great young receivers like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. There will be less pressure on everyone with him around.
Jan 8, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches the ball and runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Not only did the Bears steal Keenan Allen from the Chargers, but he is going to have a major impact on their offense. Allen is going to help with the growth of Caleb Williams by being a top reliable target. He also gives Rome Odunze the ability to learn under him and not have similar pressure a first round wide receiver would normally face. At the end of the season, I think he’ll be such a good asset that fans will ask, “why didn’t the Chargers ask for more?”
