49ers Acquire Veteran Wide Receiver Keenan Allen From Colts
San Francisco bolsters its injury-plagued receiving corps ahead of the trade deadline by trading a sixth-round draft pick to Indianapolis.
The San Francisco 49ers addressed their depleted wide receiver room on Tuesday by acquiring veteran Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick. The trade was finalized just hours before the league's afternoon trade deadline.
Allen, a 34-year-old veteran in his 14th NFL season, signed with Indianapolis in August following stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears. Over eight games this season with the Colts, he has recorded 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown, providing reliable production primarily out of the slot and on third downs.
The NFC-leading 49ers hold a 7-1 record despite battling a heavy wave of injuries across their offensive unit. Mike Evans has missed time due to Achilles soreness and tendinitis, Deebo Samuel has been sidelined with a hamstring strain, and other wideouts such as Christian Kirk have landed on injured reserve. Meanwhile, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and veteran Demarcus Robinson have also missed significant stretches.
Prior to landing Allen, the 49ers utilized players like Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, and Demarcus Robinson as key targets for quarterback Brock Purdy. The addition of the six-time Pro Bowler gives San Francisco another seasoned route-runner as the team prepares for a second-half push and a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
For Indianapolis, the deal represents another step in a roster reset under a rebuilding phase. The franchise previously traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco earlier in the season, and general manager Chris Ballard is looking toward future draft capital by parting ways with players on expiring contracts.
Allen expressed optimism about joining a legitimate Super Bowl contender late in his career, transitioning from a rebuilding squad to a team firmly entrenched in the playoff race. San Francisco hopes his veteran presence will keep the offense productive while the rest of the receiving unit works toward full health in the coming weeks.
Sources
- NFL Network: Colts to trade WR Keenan Allen to 49ers nfl.com
- 49ers-Colts Trade Grades: 49ers Add Much-Needed Receiver Depth With Keenan Allen si.com
- 49ers wide receiver depth chart after Keenan Allen trade - AOL aol.com
- 49ers make veteran WR addition, adding Cal alum Allen pressdemocrat.com
- 49ers acquire six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen in a trade with the Colts: Report nbcnewyork.com