John Lynch Reveals Josh Downs Was Initial Target Before Keenan Allen Trade

The San Francisco 49ers acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday.

The move represents a significant pivot in the 49ers’ strategy to bolster their receiving corps before the trade deadline. While the team originally set its sights on a different Indianapolis target, a conversation between the coaching staff and the front office shifted the trajectory of the negotiations, NBC Sports reported.

General Manager John Lynch revealed that the team’s initial interest lay with Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. The shift toward Allen happened almost by accident during a film review session.

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

“We kind of focused on Josh Downs as an option that we’d have some interest,” Lynch said, via 49ersWebzone.com. “And Kyle and I are kind of watching Josh, and in the process, Kyle’s like, ‘Man, what about Keenan?’ And I was like, ‘You know, we hadn’t given much thought to that, but let me ask about that.’”

The decision to pursue Allen began roughly two and a half weeks ago, coinciding with discussions regarding defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Lynch said that the process remained fluid as the 49ers and Colts communicated about available assets.

At one point during the negotiations, Indianapolis was hesitant to part with Allen. However, the dialogue continued until a deal was reached, NBC Sports reported.

The 49ers Just Traded a 6th-Round Pick to the Colts for Keenan Allen

“It’s always fluid, and at a certain time, they didn’t want to give up Keenan. It kind of wasn’t going to be on the table, but we kept communicating, and ultimately we got him,” Lynch said.

The 49ers secured Allen by sending a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Colts. This transaction stands in contrast to the movement involving the other Indianapolis receiver the 49ers had considered.

John Lynch Reveals Josh Downs Was Initial Target Before Keenan Allen Trade

Following the trade deadline, the Chiefs acquired Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Colts in exchange for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.

The 49ers' decision to prioritize a veteran presence like Allen over a younger option like Downs shows a specific approach to roster construction during the late stages of the season.