Chargers, Harbaugh interested to bring Justin Herbert’s key weapon back to the team

The Los Angeles Chargers are a team with high expectations, but one part of the roster is sort of incomplete, and they are looking to strengthen it. The team has an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert but even he will be limited if the weapons around him are not great. Hence, Jim Harbaugh and company have expressed the desire to reunite their quarterback with a familiar face.

Free agent wide receiver Keenan Allen is scheduled to visit the Chargers. This was reported by both Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Allen played 11 seasons for the team before 2024, where he played for the Chicago Bears.

Allen is a veteran, but the 33-year-old is still a valuable assett. First of all, he is coming off a 70-catch, 744 yard-season, which also includes seven touchdowns in one of the NFL‘s worst offenses last year. Also, he knows Justin Herbert very well.

Allen was a menace with Herbert throwing him the ball

Justin Herbert is one of the best passers in the NFL and Keenan Allen knows it. They played together from 2020 to 2024 and Allen was as good as any receiver in the league. He posted an average of 95 catches, 1,031 yards and 6.3 touchdowns per season on 70% catch rate. Herbert had a 96.7 passer rate when throwing Allen’s way, who, by the way, made three Pro Bowls in four years with the quarterback.

Keenan Allen, former wide receiver of the Los Angeles Chargers

Allen hasn’t played on Harbaugh‘s scheme but a player with his ability to create separation, his elite route running and safe hands will always have a place for Harbaugh. If they end up reuniting, Allen will surely boost this team’s options to go for all the marbles this season.

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Allen’s role will be different

Keenan Allen was always the best receiver on the Chargers during his 11-year run. However, if he comes back, that won’t be the case. Allen would be the second option behind sophomore Ladd McConkey, who was an absolute stud during his rookie season.

However, Allen will probably start ahead of rookie Tre Harris. Also, Harbaugh could use a three-wideout formation, but that’s not that common for him. What could separate Allen from Harris is his chemistry with Herbert. The QB formed a massive connection with McConkey, but he had a special bond on the field with Allen as well. As for Harris, they still need to develop that QB-WR chemistry.