Top 3 takeaways from Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen's press conference

LAKE FOREST — Keenan Allen flew on a private jet for the first time in his life on Friday night. His destination was Chicago — his new home after spending the last 11 seasons with the Chargers franchise.

The new Bears wide receiver then spoke to the Bears media on Saturday morning.

Here are the top 3 takeaways from his press conference.

Possible Extension?

Allen is going into the last year of his contract and will earn a base salary of $18.1 million and have a roster bonus of $5 million in 2024, according to spotrac.

The 31-year-old wide receiver will be taken care of financially this season, but what about beyond 2024? Allen was asked if he envisions Chicago as more than a one-year stop.

“Absolutely,” Allen said. “You know we wouldn’t be here right now, obviously. Yeah, we’ll get there down the line.”

Allen also was asked if he expects to sign a new contract soon, and the veteran wide receiver said, “No, not really. We’re just kind of taking it one day at a time. Got one-year left and we’ll see what happens.”

It’ll be important for the Bears to work with Allen to get some kind of extension done, especially if the team plans on drafting a young quarterback.

Allen is entering his 12th season in the NFL and has sustained some injuries throughout his career, so whatever that next extension looks like, it most likely won’t be anything too long-term.

As someone who is in the backend of his career, Allen said he plans to listen to his body and will have those conversations if he feels he can’t go anymore.

But for now he will just take it “year by year” and “stay in the moment.”

Reliable Target For A Rookie QB

Allen is as consistent as it comes when talking about the wide receiver position. He has had over 100 receptions and gone over 1,000 receiving yards in five of his last seven seasons.

He credits his productivity at this stage in his career to “staying to the process, always working out, always staying in shape. Loving the game, obviously.”

One of those areas that Allen has excelled at throughout his career is converting the chains and securing first downs for the offense. He finished tied for 16th last season with 56 first down receptions. And being able to convert on third down is at the upmost importance.

Allen shared what he believes it takes to be good on third down.

“Knowledge,” Allen said. “Understanding what you’re looking at and what’s coming. Having that clock when the quarterback has to get rid of the ball.”

Allen also called it “everything” for being known as a guy that a quarterback can go to when he needs it most.

Allen also believes his game translates well if the Bears bring in a young quarterback.

“I think I’m just a friendly guy,” Allen said. “I’m a friendly guy on and off the field. Obviously on the football field, I know the game. I know the ins and outs, I know the zones, I know how to beat man, I know pretty much how to play the game. I just think I’m friendly for the quarterback because I’ll be in the right spots. I know how to communicate with him and my body language is solid, too.”

Allen was asked if he met Caleb Williams as they both played in Los Angeles and he responded that he had met him once. He didn’t have much to say about the person, calling him a “solid guy” who is “down to earth.” But he was more familiar with Williams’ game on the football field.

“Hell of an athlete,” Allen said. “Obviously, he can make tremendous plays with his feet, with his arm. Looks like he knows the game really well. Really good.”

Moore Excitement

The Bears have two legitimate wide receivers in Allen and DJ Moore.

Both of them are coming off career years last season and have an opportunity to continue their production with the Bears and under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

“Any time you’ve got two guys that can make plays and beat man coverage, it’s going to be tough,” Allen said. “That’s any time. Obviously, he’s a guy who has made plays in this league for a long time and myself as well. If you put both of us together, it’s going to be pretty good.”

Allen isn’t just excited about pairing with Moore. The former Charger sees a lot of potential with this Bears offense and does so regardless of who is playing quarterback.

“We can be really special,” Allen said. “Like you said, we got weapons. You guys who can beat man all over the field. So double teaming one guy is going to be costly for the defense. I think we can use that as our advantage. Having a running back that can come out of the backfield and make plays and beat 1-on-1s, that’s kind of big.”

What’s also big for Allen is the potential to play in the postseason. Allen has only been to the playoffs three times, but sees this Bears team as one that can contend.

“When you start to see the roster shaping up the way it is, I think we’re going to have a good shot,” Allen said.