Bears Mailbag: Breaking Down Keenan Allen’s Potential Extension and More

As the year winds down and New Year’s approaches, let’s tackle one last mailbag to wrap things up. Thanks to everyone who sent in their questions on Twitter (or X, whatever you call it). I’ll share the questions and may rephrase them for clarity in the article.

Send me your best/most creative Bears questions.

Will answer them in my next article along with on tonight's @bfr_pod pic.twitter.com/AOUf6kpxu0

— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 24, 2024

You can only choose one to be the next Bears head coach: Mike McCarthy or Mike Vrabel? (@sportsmockery)

This is a tough one. I’m not the biggest fan of either, but I have to consider the Ben Johnson factor. If I had to choose, I’d go with Mike McCarthy. His track record speaks for itself:

• 74-110-2 overall record
• 11-11 playoff record
• 11 seasons with 10+ wins
• 53-23 against the NFC North
• 3 NFC Championship appearances
• Super Bowl champion
• 6 seasons with 10+ wins in the last 10 years vs. Chicago’s 6 in the last 23 years

Which Bear is most like a real bear? And why is the answer Bronko Nagurski? (@holyknowlie)

Yes.

How would you rebuild the O-line? Early in the draft? Free agency? Trades? All of the above? It feels like injuries and lack of starting depth have plagued the Bears O-line for over 10 years. Do we even know the last Bears season where the same starting line played all 16 games? (@MartinsTwitt3r)

Great question! I think you need to explore all options: free agency, the draft, and trades. Sign two key players in free agency—maybe someone like Trey Smith from Kansas City, along with a veteran center. Then, use the draft to add depth and possibly a day-one starter. The Bears have plenty of resources in both draft capital and cap space, and they need to use both to make real progress in 2025. You have to maximize Caleb Williams on his rookie contract. As for the last time the Bears started the same offensive line for all 16 games, that’s incredibly rare for any team. I’d be surprised if it happened in a 16 or 17-game season, given the nature of the NFL.

If we hire Kliff Kingsbury, what’s the ceiling/floor? Realistically. (@SelfKidLocks)

I’m higher on Kliff Kingsbury than most. His work with Jayden Daniels in Washington has been impressive, and the Commanders are close to winning their division. That said, there will always be questions about him as a head coach. He’s a solid offensive coordinator, and his connection with Caleb Williams could be interesting. If he’s hired by the Bears, his ceiling would be a playoff contender year-round. But his floor—looking at his time in Arizona—is concerning. It’s an intriguing conversation, but I’d lean towards being cautious.

Should we draft a wide receiver in rounds 4-5, like Pat Bryant? (@bearman1986l)

Pat Bryant is an interesting option. The Bears definitely need a speed threat, and it seems Tyler Scott isn’t the answer. Velus Jones Jr. has been cut, so he’s off the table. It would be wise to either draft a speed receiver in the later rounds, or sign a veteran speed guy in free agency. Pairing that new player with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and maybe even Keenan Allen (more on that next) would be a good move.

Do we release Keenan Allen, and if so, before or after June 1st? (@60607_)

Personally, I think the Bears should extend Keenan Allen after the season. Give him a two-year extension worth $15M-$16M per year, with some incentives thrown in. Allen has expressed interest in coming back, and I’d like to see him with a more competent staff, alongside Caleb Williams. He’s been productive, and despite some ups and downs in his first year, he’s proven to be a reliable safety net for Williams. There’s no reason to cut him.

Run it back with Keenan pic.twitter.com/DIAvGMm1sd

— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 22, 2024

What did we do as fans to deserve this? (@M1SPR1CED)

I’m not sure, but honestly, when we finally have a good team to root for consistently, it’ll feel so much better because we’ve endured some really tough seasons.