The Indianapolis Colts were expected to move a wide receiver at the trade deadline on Tuesday, but most assumed it would be Josh Downs. Perhaps the Colts get a better offer in the coming hours, but it's Keenan Allen who's on the move first.
And the best part about this deal? It makes the path back to playoff positioning so much easier for the Houston Texans.
According toESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are trading Allen to the bang-up San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a late Day 3 pick in 2027. Allen, who spent most of his career as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, heads back to California for the remainder of the 2026 season.
San Francisco's need at receiver has been one of the biggest concerns for most of the season. Injuries have ravaged
that room, including All-Pro Mike Evans, former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling.
Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Allen's 40 receptions were the most on a struggling Colts roster that will enter a rebuild this offseason. As the new veteran in the passing game, he should provide some stability in the slot for a run toward the NFC Crown.
49ers acquiring WR Keenan Allen from the Colts. (via @adamschefter, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/4TiHRjLpDt
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2026
Allen is on the verge of making history this season if his production continues. A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen has 1,095 career receptions and is seven short of surpassing Cris Carter for seventh on the all-time list in receptions. In a short time, he should accomplish that feat while back in California, the state that made him a star in college at Cal.
The Texans face off against the Colts next Thursday night, when they will reveal their rivalry uniforms for the first time in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans' odds to make playoff improve with Colts trade of WR Keenan Allen
