The Patriots should target this Chargers’ potential cap casualty

Recently, there have been reports around the league about many team cap situations and players that may be on the way out in their efforts to save a bit of money. So while the Patriots may have cap casualties of their own, they should also look to add some pieces that enter the market.

One of which may come from out west in LA, according to a recent report from Dov Kleiman:

For the Chargers, this move makes a lot of sense. With a combination of needing the cap and the amount of money that this would save, the Chargers can spend this money intended for Allen to bolster their defense and offensive line, or they even acquire another cheaper receiver to pair with Justin Herbert.

With all of this, Keenan Allen could be on his way out of the powder blue after all.

If this is indeed the case, the Patriots need to capitalize.

With the Patriots being a team needing more talent at wide receiver (and with this seeming to be the trend every offseason), capitalizing by acquiring one of the best receivers of the past decade to help out Mac Jones would be a great way to do it.

The question then becomes what Keenan Allen may be worth, and if the Patriots would be able to provide that.

Allen is currently 30 years old, entering his age 31 season. In NFL terms, Allen is most likely on the way out of his prime. Therefore, signing Allen to a multi-year contract could be risky based on what his future production may consist of.

However, Allen is coming off a season putting up 752 yards, 66 receptions, and four touchdowns in only ten games played, so he’s still able to put up solid production for his age.

The Patriots would benefit from any upgrade to their WR room this off-season, especially if it comes from a player like Keenan Allen.

While Allen has been known for some health and availability issues within the past few seasons, even if he could play 75% of games next season, he would provide a necessary spark and immediately be the best target for Mac Jones and Bill O’Brien’s offense.

The idea sounds nice, but does this financially make sense for the Patriots?

Most likely, yes.

Looking at how the league values receivers, some of the top players on the market are pulling in about $25-$30 million a year (players like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams). While Allen may not be worth that type of money, something around $15-$18 million yearly may be a more realistic expectation with his caliber and age.

This would put him in the pay range of other veterans at receiver, such as Tyler Lockett and Mike Evans. Combine this with the Patriots’ current cap space of around $32 million; a move like this would definitely be feasible.

If Bill Belichick and the Patriots want Mac Jones to ultimately succeed, it’s important to surround him with the weapons to do so. Signing a player like Keenan Allen would absolutely be a step in the right direction.

Not only would it help the offensive production, but it would show players and fans that the team is willing to be aggressive in order to improve the roster. After an average 8-9 season like 2022, a move like this would put the Patriots in a great position starting in 2023.