The San Francisco 49ers knew what they wanted in a receiver, and veteran Keenan Allen fit the bill for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
San Francisco acquired the veteran wide receiver
from the Indianapolis Colts this week, sending a 2027 sixth-round pick to add another experienced pass catcher. Shanahan said Wednesday that Allen checked the boxes the team was looking for, particularly with his ability to separate, catch the football and contribute when he's not a target."Just trying to get the best receiver that you can," Shanahan told reporters. "When you look at it, it always starts with separating, catching the football. He's always been as good as anyone at separating, as good of hands as anyone."
Shanahan also highlighted Allen's effort and intelligence
away from the ball, traits that should help him fit into San Francisco's offense.
"Then how good he plays without the ball," Shanahan said. "He's a guy who blocks, who never takes a down off, is extremely competitive and a very smart, aware football player."
Allen, 34, has 40 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown in eight games this season. He spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before playing for the Chicago Bears in 2024 and returning to Los Angeles in 2025. He joined Indianapolis this season before the trade.
Getting Allen comfortable in a new offense will be a challenge, however. Shanahan said the receiver arrived late Monday night and was immediately thrown into the 49ers' installation.
"Everybody's different," Shanahan said of integrating midseason acquisitions. "It takes a lot for receivers just getting lined up, knowing all the route tree, hearing the verbiage and everything on how to do it."
The 49ers will evaluate how much Allen absorbs in practice before deciding how to use him Sunday. Shanahan said the team was excited to get him and believes he makes the offense better. He'll join a depleted receiver squad that should be without Mike Evans and could be without Deebo Samuel. So, if Allen plays, he'll join a group that includes Demarcus Robinson, Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan explains how Keenan Allen fits the 49ers' offense
