Keenan Allen will suit up in the Chargers’ season finale with major incentives on the line. With bonuses tied to receptions, yards, and touchdowns, the veteran has a chance to boost his paycheck—even against Denver’s elite defense.
The Los Angeles Chargers will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in the final game of the regular season. While Justin Herbert, along with several other starters, will not suit up, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen plans to play. Allen’s reasoning is simple: money. With an incentive-laden contract, the longtime Charger has a chance to add a significant bonus to his paycheck if he can reach certain benchmarks on Sunday.
When Allen returned to the Chargers this past offseason, his contract was deliberately structured to reward performance. The veteran wide receiver has been reliable throughout the season, once again earning his famous “Third-and-Keenan” nickname thanks to his ability to consistently move the chains. With the regular season coming to a close, Allen still has multiple incentives within reach, though some will be more difficult to attain than others.
According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Allen is just six receptions away from earning an additional $750,000. While that total may seem easily achievable for a player who has built his career on volume and consistency, Allen has only surpassed that reception threshold three times this season, with the most recent occurrence coming back in Week 7. Still, with several starters potentially resting, Allen could see an increased target share as the Chargers look to lean on their most trusted pass catcher.
Another incentive within reach is a $250,000 bonus if Allen records just nine receiving yards on Sunday. This benchmark appears far more likely, even against an elite Denver defense. Backup quarterback Trey Lance will likely prioritize getting the ball out quickly and leaning on veteran options, which could allow Allen to clear this number early in the game.
A more challenging incentive comes into play if Allen can catch two touchdown passes, which would net him an additional $250,000. Allen has not found the end zone since Week 7, making this bonus a long shot. Denver is still playing for a crucial win, and the Broncos’ defense will undoubtedly be aware of the Chargers’ efforts to put Allen in position to cash in.
There are also a pair of incentives that appear highly unlikely. Allen would earn $250,000 if he reaches 109 receiving yards and another $250,000 if he scores four touchdowns. Unless the Broncos’ defense completely collapses, it is difficult to imagine either scenario unfolding.
In total, Keenan Allen has a significant amount of money at stake in the season finale. While the Chargers are expected to rely heavily on the running game under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Allen’s competitive nature and proven reliability cannot be overlooked. If his career has shown anything, it is that when the moment matters most, Keenan Allen is capable of delivering—even under difficult circumstances.