The Facts: Now that the Chargers have their face of the franchise, the top priority will be signing Justin Herbert to a long-term contract, likely this offseason. Yet GM Tom Telesco knows doing so won’t come without hurdles, as the Chargers enter the offseason already $19 million over the 2023 salary cap, meaning players like Allen could be on the chopping block. Daniel Popper of The Athletic recently listed the Chargers’ five-time Pro Bowl receiver as a “likely cap casualty” heading into the offseason.

Diehards Line: Cutting Allen, who’s set to be 31 next season, from the roster would save $14.8 million from their 2023 cap number. It’s important to note that even if Allen is cut, he could simply be re-signed by the Chargers at a different salary rate, yet it’s not unreasonable for the 10-year pro to move on either. Allen played in just ten games last season as he battled a hamstring strain, and finished with 752 yards and four touchdowns, far below his 1,000-yard average. That said, he still averaged 75 yards per game, which is the third-best mark in his career, showing the veteran’s talent hasn’t diminished. As Popper suggested, if the Chargers move on from Allen, they will have to draft a receiver early to replace him. If they do not move on from Allen, the Chargers still need to add speed to their receiver room. That is where this roster is lacking the most. Should Allen find himself on the open market this offseason, he’s sure to have plenty of suitors. Players with over 9,000 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns in their career don’t become available often.