The Chicago Bears may still see a good return on investment for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, despite his early-season injury issues. However, the 32-year-old’s ongoing availability concerns could lead the Bears to consider different veteran options for 2025 instead of extending Allen.
Allen has had an impressive career, catching over 900 passes for 10,530 yards during his 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, but his start with the Bears in 2024 has been challenging. After a modest performance in Week 1, where he caught four of 11 targets for 29 yards, he has missed the last two games due to a heel injury sustained at the end of training camp.
Although there’s still time for Allen to bounce back this season, the Bears need to think about their long-term plans, as he’s in the final year of his contract. They could hope for a strong return from Allen that would warrant a contract extension, or they might start exploring other free-agent options.
According to Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department, the latter is more probable, and they have identified Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Chris Godwin—who is also in the last year of his $60 million deal—as a prime potential replacement for Allen.
“Fortunately, Ryan Poles is projected to have around $73 million in cap space to work with this offseason, giving him the flexibility to pursue top talent,” Bleacher Report noted on September 23. “Godwin is expected to be one of the best receivers available, having recorded four 1,000-yard seasons in the past five years and currently racking up 253 yards in three games this season.”
Chris Godwin Among NFL’s Best to Begin 2024 Season
Chris Godwin is an intriguing option for the Bears if they consider acquiring another veteran wide receiver during the 2025 free agency period, especially given his strong start to the 2024 season.
Godwin has recorded the third-most receptions (21) and the seventh-most receiving yards (253) in the NFL through the first three weeks of the season, not including any changes from the two Monday night games. The 28-year-old has also scored a touchdown in each of the Buccaneers’ games, showcasing a standout 117-yard performance against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
If Godwin continues to perform well, the Buccaneers are likely to prioritize securing him with a long-term contract extension before the 2025 offseason. However, they project to have about $28 million in cap space in 2025 and have recently signed veteran Mike Evans to a two-year extension, keeping him with the team through next season.
The Buccaneers could opt to release Evans in the 2025 offseason with a post-June 1 designation, which would save them $12 million in cap space and make it easier to retain Godwin. If they determine that keeping Godwin isn’t feasible, the Bears could step in with a competitive offer to make him a key part of their 2025 offense as a replacement for Allen.
While Godwin may not possess the same level of dominance as Allen has throughout his career, he has amassed over 500 catches in his first seven seasons with the Buccaneers, often playing in Evans’ shadow. He is also on pace for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2024 and his fifth in the last six years.
Rome Odunze’s Rise Could Define 2025 WR Needs
The Bears may face a wide receiver need in 2025 if they decide to part ways with Allen or are hesitant to meet his contract demands. Their willingness to invest significantly in the position could hinge on the performance of first-round rookie Rome Odunze as he wraps up his inaugural season in Chicago.
Odunze had a slow start, managing only three catches on nine targets in his first two games, and dealt with a sprained knee from the season opener. However, he had a breakout performance in Week 3, recording six catches for 112 yards and scoring his first touchdown.
If Odunze continues to improve, the Bears might feel less pressure to invest heavily in a wide receiver for 2025, whether that means extending Allen or signing a veteran like Godwin. With Odunze under contract for four more years and D.J. Moore locked in through 2029, they could focus their resources elsewhere.
Additionally, the Bears need to manage their cap space wisely, as they have other pressing needs in 2025. Left guard Teven Jenkins will hit free agency in March, and if he isn’t extended, they might need to find three new starters for their offensive line, particularly if right guard Nate Davis and center Coleman Shelton don’t perform well this season.
Leave a Reply