Ranking the NFC North WRs after the Keenan Allen Trade

The Chicago Bears made a massive move by acquiring Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen in a blockbuster trade on Thursday evening. Chicago’s acquisition of Allen got us thinking. How does this impact the landscape of the NFC North division and its wide receivers? After careful analysis, we’ve ranked each team’s receiving corps one through four, starting from worst to best.

NO. 4: GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Packers arguably have the youngest, most ascending group within the division, but it’s still the most unproven. Christian Watson struggled with injury throughout the 2023 campaign, regressing from his breakout rookie season. Watson still carries WR1 potential and Romeo Doubs has developed into a quality No. 2. Jayden Reed is looking like a home-run pick, and other young talents such as Dontayvion Wicks are looking like long-term contributors.

NO. 3: DETROIT LIONS

The Lions have a bonafide superstar in Amon-Ra St. Brown, but depth behind him is an issue. Former first-round selection Jameson Williams has yet to string together a complete season. Josh Reynolds is an unrestricted free agent and hasn’t re-signed. Kalif Raymond is currently miscast as a top-three option in the passing game. Lions general manager Brad Holmes needs to acquire better secondary options behind St. Brown.

NO. 2: CHICAGO BEARS

Allen and Moore combined to record 204 catches, 2,607 yards, and 15 touchdowns last season. The Bears now legitimately roster one of the best one-two punches at wideout across the entire league. Add Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and D’Andre Swift and the Bears have an outstanding supporting cast to put in place around a rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams.

You’d like to see Velus Jones Jr. and Tyler Scott develop into more consistent contributors, but the Allen trade has alleviated some of the pressure. Allen and Moore are coverage-dictating weapons. General manager Ryan Poles executed a masterclass by nabbing Allen.

NO. 1: MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Our honest evaluation indicates the Bears still trail the Vikings in this category. Justin Jefferson is the best overall wide receiver in the league and will soon sign a record-breaking extension that pays him $30-plus million annually. Jordan Addison recorded 911 receiving yards as a rookie and is clearly an extremely talented playmaker with 1,000-yard annual potential. The Vikings have a huge question mark at quarterback following Kirk Cousins’ departure, but they still have the best receiver corps within the division.