After rumors regarding contract negotiations arose earlier this week, it seemed all but certain Keenan Allen would remain a San Diego Charger for the long-term.
The wide receiver agreed to a four-year contract worth $44 million Friday, as originally reported by Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The annual value of Allen’s deal will place him deservingly within the top 10 paid wide receivers, tying Jeremy Maclin and Larry Fitzgerald’s annual average of $11 million.
Chargers, Keenan Allen strike 4-year extension worth more than $11M per season, source says. https://t.co/MbMzyGEbSm pic.twitter.com/hHCYntr3qn
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 11, 2016
Allen was the Chargers third round pick back in 2013 out of Cal, and he has already proven to be a steal in what was a less than thrilling draft class. Seven wide receivers were taken ahead of Allen, including DeAndre Hopkins, Aaron Dobson, Justin Hunter, and Cordarrelle Patterson amongst others.
In three seasons playing in the NFL, Allen has 2,554 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on 125 catches. He has started all but one game in his career.
A lacerated kidney cost Allen eight games last season during a breakout season in which he was on pace for over 1,400 receiving yards.
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Pro Football Focus ranked Allen the 21st best receiver in the league last year despite missing time with injury.
The Chargers brought in Travis Benjamin as a free agent to help open up the field with Allen. Once you look past those two and Stevie Johnson, the wide receiver depth is not strong in San Diego.
Tight ends Antonio Gates and rookie Hunter Henry hope to be major threats in the receiving game as well. With Gates expected to retire after this season, the development of Henry, who was the number one tight end in this years NFL Draft out of Arkansas, is crucial.
San Diego will also be looking for help from last seasons first round pick Melvin Gordon, who had a tough year from both a health and production standpoint. Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver will also be returning at the running back position.