Texans, Jets eyed Allen prior to Bears trade

It appears that the Chicago Bears weren't the only suitors interested in acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Both the Houston Texans and New York Jets were involved in trade discussions regarding the six-time Pro Bowler, Allen told reporters Saturday, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns.

The Jets' conversations with the Los Angeles Chargers didn't result in a serious trade offer, although Houston was close to landing Allen, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Chicago ultimately landed the prized wideout, sending a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Chargers on Thursday.

The 31-year-old receiver had hoped to conclude his career in a Chargers uniform after spending 11 seasons with the organization. However, the team dealt Allen after he declined its request to restructure his contract earlier this week.

Allen says it wasn't an emotional moment when the team requested he take a pay cut.

"It was, 'I'm not doing it.' I'm not doing it," Allen said, per Jahns. "I just came off my best season, so it's not happening."

The 2013 third-round pick recorded 108 receptions, 1,243 yards, and seven touchdowns in 13 games last season.

The Chargers have made several moves to create more cap space this offseason, including the release of Allen's fellow ex-L.A. wideout Mike Williams.

Allen is now projected to be part of another formidable receiving duo alongside D.J. Moore. In addition to the longtime Charger, the Bears have also added D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett to their offense in an attempt to improve from their 7-10 record last season.

Allen says he "absolutely" wants to stay in Chicago long term, but he's not expecting to sign an extension anytime soon.

"We're just kind of taking it one day at a time," Allen said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

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