Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said the team has “nothing but love” for Keenan Allen and that “that door is not closed,” despite rumors tying the 34-year-old to the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen’s recent production with the Chargers and his histor
There’s a particular kind of “wait—really?” feeling that comes when a familiar star might return in a familiar uniform.
Keenan Allen’s name has been tied to the Los Angeles Chargers again, and Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz didn’t shut the conversation down. Instead, he left the door open.
Hortiz came on the Up & Adams show when asked about the chances of a potential Allen return. He described the Chargers’ current approach as one rooted in giving younger players a chance, while making it clear the organization has kept communication lines open with Allen.
“Right now we are in a spot where we are looking at the roster and saying. ‘let’s let the young guys get a chance. ‘ but I have had some communication with Keenan. representation. and we talk. Right now. the guys we have here. we are letting them grow and develop. but we have nothing but love for Keenan. and that door is not closed.”.
Hortiz also pushed back on the latest chatter, saying the Chargers “would not like to see him in red” after rumors surfaced that the Kansas City Chiefs could be interested in Allen.
For Allen, this isn’t a first-year storyline. It’s happened before—most notably in 2024, when the Chargers’ receiver wasn’t in powder blue. That season, Allen was in Chicago playing for the Bears during Caleb Williams’s rookie year. Allen’s presence mattered beyond the stat sheet, with the 34-year-old serving as a mentor for Williams.
And now, with the possibility of Allen returning to the Chargers, that same kind of mentor role could be on deck again. The idea is simple: Allen could end up helping a different quarterback develop once more in 2026.
The timing also matters. Even with the door left open. Hortiz’s comments fit the offseason reality for a team trying to balance veteran value with roster development. Allen. 34 years old and a Pro Bowler six times. is expected to make his decision closer to the start of the season rather than immediately.
That patience is also driven by what Allen has shown recently. Allen had a productive 2025 season back in Los Angeles, especially early in the year. In 2025, Allen caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
Even with the clear understanding that he is not the player he once was, those numbers still draw attention. After catching 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, there are going to be teams interested in his services.
Allen’s latest decision may ultimately come down to fit and timing—but Hortiz has already set the tone. The Chargers are letting younger players grow, and they aren’t closing the door on a reunion.
Not powder blue isn’t the new normal for Allen’s career. It’s just a reminder that the next jersey he wears could still be shaped by relationships, production, and the way mentoring—on and off the field—lands at the right moment.
Keenan Allen Joe Hortiz Los Angeles Chargers NFL news Caleb Williams Chicago Bears Kansas City Chiefs 2025 season Pro Bowl wide receiver
So Chiefs rumors are BS then? Joe Hortiz talks a big game.
I don’t get why they even have to say “door not closed.” Like just say yes or no lol. Also “would not like to see him in red”?? what if the red team is the worst color ever.
Wait… does “red” mean Kansas City? I thought they were like… red and yellow? Anyways if Hortiz keeps saying they’re talking to him, that means he’s probably gone. GMs always act like they’re being nice when it’s already decided.
If he comes back I’m honestly fine, Keenan was lowkey the whole vibe for the Chargers. But also they said let the young guys grow?? Like how do you do that while bringing back a 34-year-old mentor guy. I swear this is the same exact story every season, and then somehow everyone ends up surprised anyway.