Keenan Allen might be a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens, who could use his experience to strengthen their receiving group.

As the NFL offseason continues to evolve, teams are actively evaluating their needs and looking to make moves that will improve their rosters for the upcoming season. For the Baltimore Ravens, one of the most pressing needs heading into the 2025 season is to strengthen their receiving corps. Despite having talented players like Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ passing game has often been inconsistent, and their wide receiver group has been a point of concern for several years. With Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens are still in search of a true No. 1 wide receiver who can help elevate their offense.

This is where Keenan Allen, the veteran wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, enters the conversation. Allen is one of the most talented and experienced wide receivers in the NFL, and his skill set could be a game-changer for the Ravens, who are looking to build a more dynamic passing attack. In this article, we will explore why Keenan Allen might be a good fit for the Ravens, how his playing style aligns with their needs, and the potential impact he could have on the team’s offensive success.

Keenan Allen: A Brief Overview

Keenan Allen, who has been with the Los Angeles Chargers since being drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and technically sound wide receivers in the NFL. Throughout his career, Allen has been known for his exceptional route running, ability to create separation, and reliable hands. With over 700 career receptions, more than 8,000 yards, and 50+ touchdowns, Allen has consistently produced at a high level.

At 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds, Allen combines size, strength, and agility to win battles against cornerbacks. His precise route running allows him to find pockets in zone coverage and break free from tight man-to-man coverage. Allen’s ability to read defenses and his awareness of how to use leverage make him a difficult player to cover, and his chemistry with quarterbacks has been one of the defining features of his career.

What truly stands out about Allen is his consistency. Over the years, he has been able to maintain a high level of performance, year after year, despite facing injuries that have occasionally sidelined him. His durability, leadership, and professional approach to the game have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s best wide receivers.

The Ravens’ Need for a True No. 1 Receiver

While the Ravens have certainly had success on offense, particularly with Lamar Jackson at quarterback, the team has not had a consistent and dominant No. 1 wide receiver for quite some time. The passing game has often relied on tight ends like Mark Andrews and running backs out of the backfield, rather than a traditional, dynamic wide receiver. This has limited Lamar Jackson’s ability to fully showcase his passing talents and has prevented the offense from reaching its full potential.

In 2024, the Ravens added Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers to their wide receiver room, with Beckham bringing experience and Flowers offering a dynamic rookie presence. However, while Beckham has had flashes of brilliance, injuries have plagued his career, and he is no longer the explosive playmaker he once was. Zay Flowers, while promising, is still developing into the player the Ravens hope he can become. The team still lacks a proven, reliable No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently win in all areas of the field and be a primary target for Jackson in critical situations.

This is where a player like Keenan Allen would be a perfect fit for the Ravens. His experience, reliability, and ability to dominate from the slot or on the outside would immediately elevate the Ravens’ receiving corps. Allen’s presence would provide Lamar Jackson with a proven weapon capable of creating separation against top-tier cornerbacks, something the Ravens have struggled to find in recent years.

Why Keenan Allen Would Be a Perfect Fit for Lamar Jackson

Keenan Allen’s style of play aligns perfectly with the Ravens’ offensive system and would complement Lamar Jackson’s strengths as a quarterback. While Jackson is known for his ability to make plays with his legs, he has also shown flashes of brilliance as a passer. However, the Ravens have often failed to provide him with a consistent weapon who can create separation in critical moments. Allen’s skill set is well-suited to remedy this issue.

1. Allen’s Route Running and Jackson’s Arm Strength

Lamar Jackson has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, capable of making deep throws to any part of the field. However, his biggest challenge has been finding consistent, reliable options downfield. Keenan Allen’s ability to run precise, sharp routes would allow Jackson to exploit defenses in a way that he has not been able to do consistently with his current group of receivers. Whether it’s an out route, a slant, or a deep crossing route, Allen can create separation from defenders and be a reliable target for Jackson in any situation.

Allen’s route running is among the best in the league. His ability to separate from defenders at the top of his routes would give Jackson more options when looking to extend plays. While Allen is not necessarily a deep-threat burner, his precision and ability to create separation in intermediate routes would allow Jackson to take advantage of defenses that focus too heavily on stopping the run or blitzing the quarterback.

2. Allen’s Hands and Ball Security

Another major asset that Allen would bring to the Ravens is his exceptional hands. Over his career, he has been known for his reliability in clutch situations and his ability to haul in passes in traffic. This is an area where the Ravens have struggled at times—creating opportunities but failing to execute in critical moments. Keenan Allen’s ball security and his knack for catching passes in difficult situations would immediately improve the Ravens’ passing game, especially in the red zone and on third downs.

In high-pressure moments, having a reliable target like Allen is invaluable. With his consistent ability to make catches in critical situations, the Ravens would have a wide receiver they could count on when it matters most. Jackson’s ability to trust his No. 1 receiver would also open up opportunities for other players in the offense, as defenses would be forced to account for Allen’s presence on the field.

3. Allen’s Experience and Leadership

Keenan Allen’s experience would be another invaluable asset to the Ravens. While the team does have some veterans, including Beckham, Allen’s professionalism and leadership would bring an additional layer of maturity to the locker room. His ability to mentor young receivers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman would help accelerate their development and add another voice in the huddle for Jackson to rely on.

Additionally, Allen has played with several quarterbacks over the years, adjusting to different systems and styles of play. This versatility would help him quickly build chemistry with Lamar Jackson and integrate into the offense seamlessly. His ability to make adjustments and work with a variety of quarterbacks would give Jackson a reliable option from Day 1.

What Would It Take for the Ravens to Land Allen?

Given Keenan Allen’s age and his current contract situation with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Ravens would have to make some strategic moves to land him. While it is unclear whether Allen will be available via trade or in free agency, the Ravens would likely have to make a strong offer, whether in terms of a contract or draft picks.

If Allen were to become a free agent, the Ravens would need to manage their cap space carefully to make room for his potential contract. While the Ravens do have some flexibility in their salary cap, they would also need to prioritize other positions of need, including improving their defense and adding depth to their offensive line. However, the addition of a proven wide receiver like Allen could be worth the financial investment, given the impact he would have on the offense and Jackson’s development.

On the other hand, if Allen becomes available via trade, the Ravens would likely have to offer a reasonable package of draft picks or players to secure his services. However, considering the Ravens’ position as a potential contender in the AFC, they might be willing to make such a move to improve their offense and give Lamar Jackson the support he needs to thrive.