Despite being so late in the offseason with training camp starting this week, there are still a handful of intriguing free agents who remain unsigned, some of whom the Patriots could be looking into. They continue to be connected to top receivers and pass rushers, like Amari Cooper and Jadeveon Clowney, especially since they still have an estimated $60 million in cap space to spend.
But the receiver they have been connected to the most, Keenan Allen, who Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report most recently named as a logical signing for New England, doesn't appear to be in the cards anymore.
It's not because they can't afford him or because they have a stellar receiving corps with no room to add someone of Allen's caliber. It's actually because it's looking more plausible that the longtime Charger will be headed back to the AFC West after Mike Williams' unexpected retirement last week.
Because they are a team hoping to build around their quarterback, Justin Herbert, just like the Patriots and Drake Maye, there's no reason to believe that Allen won't be heavily pursued by his former team. It's more likely he will be signing on the dotted line in the next few days than anything else.
The Patriots will have to look elsewhere for wide receiver help if they were interested in Keenan Allen
Although there are 12 receivers currently signed to the Patriots roster heading into training camp, there are still many questions facing the group for the season ahead. One lingering concern is Stefon Diggs' availability, which seemed to be addressed over the past weekend when he was not placed on the PUP list along with several of his teammates.
That implies he will be a full participant in training camp and the preseason, making him likely available for Week 1.
Other than Diggs being a roster lock, it's also believed that Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams will be on the team. Beyond them, however, there are questions. That could inevitably lead Mike Vrabel and Co. to look at free agents, like Allen, to sign. But pursuing him might be a wasted effort now that the Chargers' opportunity has presented itself.
Allen never seemed to want to leave the Chargers but was released anyway. He spent the 2024 season with the Bears and put together an impressive season, despite the chaotic atmosphere within the offense.
He would be a great addition to the Patriots roster if they really wanted to give Maye the best possible lineup they could, especially since Allen is only one season removed from recording 1,000+ receiving yards and thrived with Bears' rookie quarterback Caleb Williams last year. However, it might not be worth the gamble, with analysts and fans believing it's only a matter of time before he returns to Los Angeles.
If that doesn't happen, there's a good reason for the Patriots to seriously consider reaching out to Allen and exploring what it would take to finalize a deal. He could be another certified weapon for Maye to work with, along with the solid names already on the roster. It would significantly improve the offense's chances of surpassing expectations while elevating Maye's game to a new level.