NFL Legend Offers Insight on Keenan Allen's 2025 Season and Future

Former Chargers wide receiver Stevie Johnson shares his perspective on Allen's career and potential next steps.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:33am

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A dynamic, colorful painting in the style of LeRoy Neiman, featuring an abstract depiction of an NFL wide receiver's fluid movements and energy, with the player's face and uniform details obscured by vibrant brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, green, and orange.An artistic interpretation of the veteran leadership and technical mastery that Keenan Allen brings to the Chargers' receiving corps.San Diego Today

In an exclusive interview, former NFL wide receiver Stevie Johnson, who played alongside Keenan Allen in San Diego, provided insights into Allen's 2025 season with the Chargers and speculated on the veteran receiver's future. Johnson praised Allen's technical skills and work ethic, comparing him to Jerry Rice, while also suggesting Allen could have been even more productive in the Chargers' offense under a different coordinator than Greg Roman.

Why it matters

As one of the Chargers' all-time great receivers, Keenan Allen's future with the team and in the NFL is of great interest to the franchise and its fans. Johnson's insider perspective offers valuable context on Allen's recent performance and potential next steps, whether that's staying in Los Angeles or potentially joining a rival team like the Rams.

The details

Johnson, who played with Allen in 2015, the final season of his own career, described the Chargers star as a 'technician' on the field, similar to NFL legend Jerry Rice. He praised Allen's work ethic and football IQ, noting that Allen was always studying film and picking the brains of other receivers. While Allen had a solid 2025 season, Johnson believes he could have been even more productive if the Chargers had a different offensive coordinator than Greg Roman, who Johnson says is not 'pass-heavy' enough to fully utilize a receiver of Allen's caliber.

  • Keenan Allen had 67 catches for 725 yards and 4 touchdowns in only 8 games in 2015, the final season of Stevie Johnson's career.
  • Keenan Allen is 33 years old going into the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Keenan Allen

A veteran wide receiver and one of the all-time greats for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his exceptional route-running and football IQ.

Stevie Johnson

A former NFL wide receiver who played alongside Keenan Allen with the Chargers in 2015, the final season of his career. He has provided exclusive insights on Allen's career and potential future.

Greg Roman

The offensive coordinator for the Chargers, whose pass-heavy offensive scheme Johnson believes did not fully utilize Keenan Allen's talents.

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What they’re saying

“He was always on his iPad or asking other receivers what they were thinking. He wasn't necessarily a space creator type. He was more of a technician, like Jerry Rice. Then he added some of those moves in because he was such a student of the game, to mix up his route combinations. I knew he was special.”

— Stevie Johnson, Former NFL wide receiver

“Greg Roman isn't pass-heavy. He didn't even utilize Keenan correctly, I would say. I've been in a Greg Roman offense. Keenan should've had over 1,000 yards and they should have dominated that playoff game. They were doing a lot of extra other stuff.”

— Stevie Johnson, Former NFL wide receiver

What’s next

As Chargers fans eagerly await news on Keenan Allen's future, all eyes will be on whether the team brings back the veteran receiver for one more season or if he decides to join a contender like the cross-town rival Rams.

The takeaway

Stevie Johnson's insider perspective on Keenan Allen's career and potential next steps provides valuable context for Chargers fans. While Allen had a solid 2025 season, Johnson believes the veteran receiver could have been even more productive with a different offensive coordinator in place. Allen's future remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the Chargers' all-time greats is secure.