The buzz we saw from rookie WR duo of Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker from last year’s training camp didn’t exactly translate into a ton of on-field success in 2024. Well, that likely won’t stop names like Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III from generating some hype from Pats fans with rookie reporting to camp today.
Despite the additions of Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft and Stefon Diggs via free agency, one NFL writer believes the New England Patriots could be a landing spot for one former Pro Bowl WR entering the 2025 NFL season.
Keenan Allen Named a Potential Option for the New England Patriots Entering Training Camp
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently dropped his top remaining free agents entering training camp and listed former Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen as the top player on that list.
Knox wrote, “Wide receiver Keenan Allen may not be the top-tier playmaker he once was, but he showed last season that he’s still a capable high-volume pass-catcher. Despite playing in a lackluster Chicago Bears offense with a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams, Allen still managed to catch 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns. The 33-year-old likely would have had more impressive numbers in a different situation, as Chicago ranked just 31st in net yards per pass attempt.”
Knox also detailed some of the top landing spots for the veteran receiver, where he named the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers as potential suitors.
Knox added, “Allen would be a sensible target for the New England Patriots, who are looking to develop second-year quarterback Drake Maye and who lead the NFL in remaining camp space. The Patriots did sign Stefon Diggs to be their new WR1, but they could afford to double down on seasoned veteran receivers.”
Allen undoubtedly had a down year by his lofty standards in 2024, but the situation in a Bears’ offense that featured a crowded receiver, rookie quarterback, suspect offensive line play, and a less than ideal coaching situation didn’t help Allen’s production in his lone season in Chicago.
Knox added, “Make no mistake, Allen can still be a solid contributor and an experienced leader in the right system. He’d be particularly valuable for another young, inexperienced signal-caller.”
How Would Keenan Allen Fit Into the Patriots’ Offense?
The status of Stefon Diggs being ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season will come to light in the coming weeks, but his status for Week 1 isn’t set in stone at this time.
If Diggs is not ready to go for the start of the year, the Patriots would have to rely heavily on Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, and Ja’Lynn Polk to anchor the receiver position.
Allen would instantly become a quality safety blanket for second year QB Drake Maye in third down situations.
Allen is a route running savant who does much of his best work out of the slot. The veteran wideout feels like he could be a considerable upgrade at the slot receiver position, which does make this landing spot plausible.
The Patriots offense is hoping Maye could make a big leap in 2025, which makes signing Allen a possibility entering the season.
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