Chargers GM: Keenan Allen 'Isn't Going Anywhere'

On Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco ended speculation that the team would move on from wide receiver Keenan Allen this offseason.

"Keenan Allen isn't going anywhere," Telesco told reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

The 30-year-old Allen, a 2013 Chargers' third-round pick, just completed his 10th season with the team. He has 796 career catches for 9,287 yards with 52 career touchdowns.

With the Chargers $20.39 million over the salary cap, there was speculation Allen could be traded or released. He is scheduled to earn $15.5 million in 2023, with $21.7 million charged against the salary cap. If released, Los Angeles would save $14.8 million against the cap. The Chargers must comply with the salary cap at the start of the new league year on March 15.

During a news conference in January, Telesco was asked if it was tempting to cut Allen to save money, but he didn't seem tempted at all.

"It's not tempting to me," Telesco said. "Good players make money, and I would rather have a lot of good players on our roster than a lot of cap space."

Allen missed seven games last season because of a left hamstring injury. He finished with 66 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

Telesco on Wednesday spoke with Peter Schrager on NFL Network and was in line with what he confirmed to local beat reporters.

"Keenan Allen, to me, he's our Andre Reed. He's our Charlie Joiner," Telesco said, referring to a pair of historically good wide receivers. "He's an incredible football player. We have a great quarterback [Justin Herbert], and we need weapons around him; there's never been any thought of that.

"He's with us, between him, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer, we think that's a great three receivers for our quarterback," Telesco added. "We got Austin Ekeler at running back; we got an offensive line that can protect. So those are key weapons we need for our quarterback. We're thrilled with Keenan."