The mutual admiration between these two elite receivers has been brewing for months now. It all started back in March when Keenan Allen couldn’t help but tag Devante Adams in his workout posts – and at the time, both stars were staring down free agency with uncertain futures. Well, look how things worked out! Adams found his new home with the Rams, and now Allen is officially back in Los Angeles too with the Chargers, inking a sweet one-year, $8.5 million deal to return to familiar territory.

Amid Allen’s contract revelations, Davante Adams took to Instagram to reveal that Allen was not just a peer but a guiding light in his own development. His heartfelt words resonated beyond the box scores. “Everybody always asks who I watched when learning how to play the position… this dude right here was my idol, and he ain’t even know till we both had already changed our lives forever. One of the great ones, ladies and gents.” All-Pro WR Adams wrote.

The Rams star didn’t just praise Allen—he credited him with shaping his Hall of Fame-caliber career. Despite Adams’ multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors, he openly admits Allen’s consistency and precision made him the elite receiver he is today.

Keenan Allen was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 3rd round (76th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. After 11 seasons in powder blue, he owns the Chargers’ receiving records—904 catches for 10,530 yards. Only legends Lance Alworth and Antonio Gates have more touchdowns than his 59.

Undoubtedly, Adams’ latest words ring especially loud when contrasting them with Allen’s recent journeys. In many ways, Adams, 32, has built a reputation as one of the most consistent route-runners in the league. And because of his ability to make contested catches and understanding of offensive schemes, his teammates and rivals addressed him as “a quarterback’s best friend.”

Not only Adams, but Allen also received the same appreciation from Chargers QB Justin Herbert.  “He’s probably the smartest receiver I’ve ever thrown to. He sees the field like a quarterback,” Herbert once said of Allen. Before Allen was traded to the Bears in 2024, Herbert and Allen were perfectly in sync—a connection that produced 380 catches, 4,125 yards, and 25 touchdowns together. Their chemistry peaked in 2023 when Allen hauled in 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven scores in just 13 games, proving they were unstoppable when healthy.

However, such praise has been a constant in 12-year veteran Allen’s accomplished career. From Pro Bowl nods to praise from former legendary WR Richard Sherman, who once called Allen “one of the toughest covers in football”. With these praises, Allen’s impact in the league is quite visible, which really reached beyond the stat sheet. And fast forward to now, Adams’ tribute feels like the latest chapter in that long tradition of respect.

Impressively, this heartfelt moment just arrives with a backdrop after the trade shock, and a different kind of return- Allen’s latest deal with the Chargers.

Keenan Allen’s Chargers contract value falls short

Just last year, Allen’s $34.7 million cap hit forced the Chargers into a difficult choice, sending their longest-tenured offensive star to the Bears in a trade. Unexpectedly, after the Chargers asked him to accept a pay reduction, his trade sent shockwaves across the league. At the time, Allen admitted the move hurt deeply: “I gave everything to this team. Leaving wasn’t my decision, but I understand the business.”

Fast-forward to now, and Allen’s reunion with the Chargers has a different tone. Initially reported as an $8.52 million deal, the numbers ultimately told another story. According to many NFL analysts and sources, his true cap hit is just $5.27 million, with $2.255 million guaranteed. With over $32 million in cap space, the Chargers can easily afford Allen’s $8.25 million deal. If fully guaranteed, he’d rank as their third-highest paid player behind only Justin Herbert ($15M) and Derwin James ($13.75M)—elite company for a veteran receiver.

For the Chargers, it’s a calculated bargain; for Allen, it’s a chance to close a career chapter where it all began.