What’s the impact of the Keenan Allen trade on the Bears' draft plans? Options and intrigue abound for GM Ryan Poles.
CHICAGO — Ryan Poles’ collection of draft picks has dwindled, but intrigue surrounding what the Chicago Bears general manager will do with the ninth selection only increased after he added six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen.
The Bears agreed Thursday night to trade their fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Allen, a deal that will be official after he passes a physical, likely Saturday.
Paired with DJ Moore, Allen gives the Bears two excellent receivers, their best combination since Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall teamed together from 2012 to 2014. With tight end Gerald Everett and running back D’Andre Swift added to a mix that includes tight end Cole Kmet — coming off a career-best season with 73 receptions for 719 yards — the Bears have seriously upgraded the skill-position talent for what is expected to be a new quarterback, likely USC’s Caleb Williams.
“We’re extremely excited to add Keenan to our team,” Poles said in a news release. “His body of work speaks for itself and we look forward to him elevating our offense.”
A second wide receiver was a major need entering the offseason, and
