The New England Patriots are back. They reclaimed the top of the AFC East after years of watching the Buffalo Bills do nothing with their divisional supremacy, and they'll fight with bones and nails to stay there.
Aside from the Bills, there's not much competition in the division. The New York Jets are, well, the Jets, and the Miami Dolphins finally pulled the plug on their core. With Malik Willis at the helm, their passing game might not be much of a threat.
That's why it's hard to believe a player of Keenan Allen's caliber will have any interest in taking his talents to South Beach. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton chose the Dolphins as his best landing spot, but that doesn't necessarily add up.
The Patriots shouldn't have to worry about Keenan Allen in Miami
"ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Miami Dolphins "reached out to" Stefon Diggs before he signed with the Washington Commanders. If the Dolphins had some level of interest in Diggs, they could also be in contact with Keenan Allen," wrote Moton.
Yes, the Dolphins could use a leading pass catcher, and their reported interest suggests they may also be keeping tabs on Allen. That said, the Los Angeles Chargers legend may not feel the same way.
Allen has played all but one season in Los Angeles. There hasn't been much noise around him this offseason, so it feels like he might be inching closer to retirement. Otherwise, the Chargers would've probably re-signed him already.
As things stand now, Justin Herbert has Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Tre' Harris as his primary pass catchers. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will make them an explosive offense, but that's pretty much where the Miami Dolphins connection should end.
Why would a 34-year-old veteran want to go out like that, playing on a team that's projected to win fewer than five games and with an unproven quarterback who's known more for his scrambling ability than his prowess as a passer?
Of course, he's coming off leading the team with 81 receptions for 777 yards and four scores, so he can clearly still make an impact, but that was with Justin Herbert at quarterback, not Malik Willis. Would he relocate for a short-term gamble that will most likely end with him shut down late in the season when the Dolphins are playing for draft positioning? It doesn't add up.
There are plenty of playoff-caliber teams needing another pass catcher. Allen could join the Chiefs, Colts, or maybe even the 49ers if he doesn't want to call it a career yet.
But with no obvious ties to the Dolphins and even fewer incentives to pack his bags, it's hard to envision this scenario coming to fruition.
Even if that's the case, Allen would lead a receiving corps consisting of Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, injured rookie Chris Bell, and Greg Dulcich with a career 67.7% passer at quarterback.
There's no reason to sweat this one.
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