The Indianapolis Colts are trading wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero.
San Francisco is acquiring the veteran playmaker to bolster a receiving corps struggling with significant injuries. In exchange for Allen, the Colts will receive a 2027 sixth-round selection.
The move marks the second trade between these two franchises in recent weeks, following San Francisco’s acquisition of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. This transaction represents the third trade conducted by the Colts during the current market window.
Trade: Colts are sending WR Keenan Allen to the 49ers, per @RapSheet and me. pic.twitter.com/t5BN51Kd79
San Francisco addresses wide receiver depth
The 49ers face a depleted roster of pass catchers due to recurring injuries to key starters. Mike Evans and Christian Kirk remain sidelined, while Deebo Samuel is currently recovering from a knee tendon issue, DAZN reported.
The team’s depth has been further tested by several other roster setbacks:
- Ricky Pearsall was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery before the season began.
- De’Zhaun Stribling, a 2026 draft pick from Ole Miss, was placed on injured reserve after an injury in Week 1 and is expected to return in December.
- Jordan Watkins has served as the primary WR1 during stretches when other starters were unavailable.
Allen provides immediate veteran experience to a group that, according to DAZN, currently relies heavily on Watkins for stability.
Keenan Allen signs with Colts for 2026 season
Allen enters the 2026 season in his 14th NFL year. He signed a one-year deal with the Colts this offseason, worth up to $3.32 million.
During his tenure with Indianapolis this season, Allen has been a target for Daniel Jones. His production includes 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown, ColtsWire reported.
While he leads the Colts in targets and receptions, he is currently second on the team in receiving yards and is averaging 8.8 yards per reception, ColtsWire reported.
49ers acquiring WR Keenan Allen from the Colts. (via @adamschefter, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/4TiHRjLpDt
Allen’s career achievements include:
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 1,095 (or 1,055 entering 2026, ColtsWire reported) |
| Receiving Yards | 12,302 (or 12,051 entering 2026, ColtsWire reported) |
| Touchdowns | 71 (or 70 entering 2026, ColtsWire reported) |
The veteran was a six-time Pro Bowler and earned both NFL Rookie of the Year in 2013 and NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2017, DAZN reported.
Questions regarding roster stability
The 49ers’ ability to sustain a postseason run may depend on how quickly their injured starters return to the lineup. While Allen adds immediate depth, the team’s long-term reliance on Watkins remains a concern if further injuries occur to the veteran acquisitions.
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