49ers Acquire Keenan Allen From Colts to Bolster Wide Receiver Unit

The San Francisco 49ers added veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to their roster on Tuesday, securing the 34-year-old playmaker just two hours before the NFL trade deadline.

The move sends a sixth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the veteran receiver.

Allen arrives in the Bay Area as the 49ers face a series of injuries within their receiving corps. While he has recorded only one touchdown on 40 receptions this season, his 14-year career profile remains formidable. Across stints with the Chargers and a 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, Allen has accumulated 1,095 catches, 12,402 yards, and 71 touchdowns.

Source: 49ers acquire WR Keenan Allen in trade with Colts — NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The trade functions as a strategic pivot for the 7-1 49ers, who currently lead the NFC and are actively pursuing a Super Bowl title. The team’s pursuit of veteran help was public knowledge; coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch recently confirmed they had a deal in place to bring back Jauan Jennings, though that arrangement fell through when the receiver chose to remain with the Minnesota Vikings.

Allen’s integration into the offense comes as the team manages the health of several key contributors. Mike Evans, who began the season with high production, is currently sidelined with Achilles tendinitis and is expected to miss a third game this Sunday against Dallas. Deebo Samuel is slated to return to practice on Wednesday following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury.

Comp update: Colts are receiving a 6th-round pick for Keenan Allen, per sources. https://t.co/tTnggYU1Do

— Post by @AdamSchefter on X

The 49ers’ receiving unit has been in flux since the opening weeks of the season. Rookie starter De’Zhaun Stribling and veteran Demarcus Robinson both suffered ankle injuries early on.

While Robinson returned to the field during last Sunday’s 38-17 victory over the Raiders, Stribling could return from his surgery next month. The team also expects to finalize the release of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was reinstated by the NFL on Monday with a two-week roster exemption.

Despite the instability at wide receiver, quarterback Brock Purdy has maintained an NFL MVP-level performance. The offense has leaned heavily on tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey to bridge the gap. Statistical trends through seven games show the adjustment: wide receivers have been targeted 105 times, while running backs and tight ends have collectively garnered 122 targets.

Los angeles chargers wide receiver keenan allen plays during an nfl football game against the detroit lions sunday november i

Financial considerations for the acquisition are modest. Allen is playing on an expiring contract with a $1.3 million base salary. Per Spotrac.com, the 49ers are responsible for $920,000 in prorated salary and game bonuses. The trade is contingent on Allen passing a physical examination.

The addition of Allen bolsters a veteran-heavy locker room. The 49ers now roster 18 players aged 30 or older.

The San Francisco 49ers have traded for Keenan Allen (Indianapolis Colts get a 6th rounder back) — Jackson Krueger Sports

Player	Age
Trent Williams	38
Kyle Juszczyk	35
Jake Brendel	34
George Kittle	34
Cooks	33
Deebo Samuel	30
Colton McKivitz	30
Christian McCaffrey	30

The roster move coincides with other personnel updates at the facility. Defensive tackle Gracen Halton has been placed on injured reserve following a left-ankle fracture and dislocation suffered during Sunday’s game, an injury that will require surgical repair. Wide receiver and return specialist Xavier Smith has departed the 49ers' practice squad to re-sign with the Rams.

The team’s upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. will be broadcast by the Fox crew of Tom Brady, Kevin Burkhardt, Erin Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi.