The Indianapolis Colts have made another trade ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, sending six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
The move marks the third significant departure from Indianapolis over the past two weeks,
following the trades of Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. With the Colts sitting at 2-7 and increasingly focused on rebuilding following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard, the organization continues to accumulate future draft capital while parting ways with established veterans.
Allen, 34, joined Indianapolis in August on a one-year contract after spending the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, along with a brief stint in Chicago. The veteran receiver was brought in to provide experience and reliability to a receiving corps that had undergone significant changes during the offseason, while also reuniting with head coach Shane Steichen, who previously worked with Allen during their time together with the Chargers.
Despite the Colts’ struggles offensively, Allen remained a dependable target for quarterback Daniel Jones, recording 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown through eight games. Although he is no longer the explosive receiver he once was, his route running, ability to create separation underneath and experience against various defensive coverages continued to make him a useful contributor, even if the passing offense looked very ugly.
For San Francisco, the acquisition addresses a position group that has been severely affected by injuries throughout the season. The 49ers have been searching for additional receiving help as they attempt to remain atop the NFC playoff race, and Allen provides an experienced option who can immediately contribute without requiring a substantial investment in draft capital.
The trade also reunites Allen with Buckner, whom San Francisco acquired from Indianapolis on October 27 for a 2027 fourth-round selection. The 49ers have now added two former Colts veterans in the span of two weeks, strengthening both sides of the football as they pursue another Super Bowl run.
From Indianapolis’ perspective, receiving a sixth-round selection for a 34-year-old receiver on an expiring contract represents a reasonable return, particularly given the organization’s current direction. Allen was not going to factor into the Colts’ long-term plans, and securing a guaranteed draft pick allows the team to gain something from a player who otherwise could have departed in free agency.
His departure also creates additional opportunities for younger receivers (Burks notably) to earn playing time over the remainder of the season, while raising further questions about whether Indianapolis will make any additional moves before the 4 p.m. ET deadline. With Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs continuing to attract trade speculation, the Colts may not be finished reshaping their roster.
