Who Should I Start? Keenan Allen or George Pickens

Wednesday, February 19, 9:48 PM

ESPN's Courtney Cronin writes that it's more likely that the Chicago Bears let both wide receiver Keenan Allen and offensive guard Teven Jenkins walk in free agency this offseason. Allen and Jenkins are Chicago's top two free agents this year, but neither are candidates to be slapped with the franchise tag. Allen will turn 33 this year and has clearly declined, while Jenkins missed 23 games over four seasons due to injuries. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, predictably disappointed in his first and potentially only year in the Windy City with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggling in 2024. In 15 starts, he caught 70 of 121 targets for 744 receiving yards (his fewest in a season since 2016). However, he was money in the red zone with seven touchdowns for the second straight season. Allen developed chemistry with Williams, but he could have more bounce-back appeal in fantasy if he goes elsewhere in free agency.

Tuesday, February 25, 10:35 AM

As Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens enters the final year of his rookie deal, general manager Omar Khan hinted at wanting to keep Pickens in the organization long term. "[Pickens] has a desire to be great here," Khan said. "We have a desire for him to be great and to be great here." The 2022 second-round pick out of Georgia has hauled in 174 of his 293 targets for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in 48 career games. Pickens flashed with 1,140 receiving yards in 2023 before posting 900 yards in 14 games last year. The Steelers' wide receiver room is lacking high-end talent, and he's the clear No. 1 option in the passing game as the roster stands.