A general rule to live by in professional sports is don’t invest big money in older players. Players on the decline are scary investments to make because diminishing returns and declining health typically come with the territory. In some cases, these situations are unavoidable, like re-signing key internal free agents, but more often than not teams like the Dallas Cowboys would rather invest in youth and upside than experience and decline.

To fill the vacant receiver spot opposite CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys may not have much of a choice. Unless Dallas wants to use a top-50 pick on a plug-and-play WR in the 2025 NFL draft, they may need to invest in someone considered “over the hill.” Stefon Diggs is one such player who fits the mold as a free agent possibility, but there’s an older, possibly cheaper, player who may fit the Cowboys even better: Keenan Allen.

Allen, 32, has long been one of the most underrated WRs in the NFL. Lacking breakaway speed or even one double-digit touchdown season on his resume, Allen has flown under many fan radars over the years. Yet the 12-year veteran has posted six Pro Bowl invitations and six different 1,000-yard seasons over the years. His 68.1% catch percentage and 96.1 passer rating when targeted make him one of the most consistent free agent WRs to hit the market.

But that age thing…

If 2024 is any indication, Allen is a great player who’s on the decline. Playing in Chicago last season, Allen posted one of the worst years of his career. His 57.9 catch percentage was a career low, his 4.7 receptions per game matched a career low and his 47.1 yards per game marked a career low. Yet, the veteran WR may be just what the Cowboys need in 2025.

The Cowboys are in the market for a starting outside WR who is simultaneously affordable. Even with the possible drop-off, Keenan checks Box 1 as an instant starter and for all the decline highlighted above, he also checks that all-important second box for how much it would cost to sign him.

Although he’s raked in over $132 million in salary during his career, Allen is predicted to command a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency; a price tag similar to what Brandin Cooks commanded the last two seasons. He’s a player likely on the decline but he’s everything else the Cowboys need as they build a roster for 2025.

Allen, 6-foot-2, 211-pounds, is a true X receiver capable of beating press and creating separation in situations that make separation nearly impossible. Technically speaking, Allen is crisp, running uniform routes and using his body and natural ball skills to win contested balls. He’s a player whom timing-based offenses appreciate because he shows up at the right place at the right time on a consistent basis.

Never blessed with elite speed, Allen built a career creating separation against faster and more explosive competition. He can win with size in man coverage and can find soft spots consistently against zone. In 2024 Allen looked slower than previously seen which likely led to his decline in production. Yet Allen still showed the strengths of his game don’t rely on youth and speed proving the veteran free agent can still be a valuable contributor today in a more complementary role.

Lamb, Dallas’ undisputed No. 1, pushes whoever the Cowboys add at WR into the No. 2 role regardless. They don’t need Allen to be anyone he’s not. They do need him to be a blocker though.

Blocking from the WR spot will be an important trait for whoever the Cowboys add this offseason. Because Brian Schottenheimer wants to run closely-bunched formations in both running and passing situations, he needs WRs who are big and willing to block. Allen can be that guy.

Per PFF run blocking grades, Allen has declined as a run blocker in recent seasons. Yet still, he rates as one of the better run blockers over the years and given his size it’s reasonable to expect a bounce-back season given the role and responsibilities he’d be asked to fulfill in Dallas.

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