When the Chicago Bears traded for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen earlier this offseason, it caught many by surprise. While it wasn’t unexpected for the veteran wideout to leave the Los Angeles Chargers after 11 years of record-breaking service, the shock came from how the deal unfolded. The Bears managed to land the star playmaker for just a fourth-round pick, raising eyebrows across the NFL.
The announcement of the trade left fans of other teams wondering why their organizations hadn’t jumped at the chance to acquire Allen, especially given the seemingly low trade compensation. However, new information revealed that another team was very close to securing Allen’s services: the Houston Texans.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Texans were heavily involved in talks for Allen and nearly completed a deal before he was traded to Chicago. “The belief in league circles is the Texans were committed to getting an established veteran receiver this offseason. They first tried with Keenan Allen, who was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Chicago Bears on March 14,” Fowler shared. A source close to Allen also confirmed that Houston was “very close” to finalizing a trade for him.
Ultimately, the Texans missed out on Allen but found another veteran receiver in Stefon Diggs after weeks of waiting. In hindsight, the situation worked out favorably for both the Texans and the Bears. The Bears, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams under center, needed a reliable and experienced receiver who could provide a steady target in key moments. Allen, known for his consistency and precise route-running, fits that role perfectly. Despite missing two of the first four games, Allen returned in Week 4 and is expected to become a key figure in the Bears’ offense moving forward.
Meanwhile, the Texans needed a versatile playmaker who could complement Nico Collins and stretch opposing defenses. Diggs, with his ability to line up in multiple positions and command attention from defenses, was an ideal fit for second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Through four weeks, Diggs has already racked up 25 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a valuable addition to Houston’s offense.
While the trade scenarios could have gone either way, both teams appear to have landed the receivers they needed. The Bears secured a veteran presence for their young quarterback, and the Texans found a dynamic playmaker to pair with their rising star in Stroud. Time will tell how these acquisitions impact their respective seasons, but so far, the moves seem to be paying off.
