The San Francisco 49ers are making another move with the Indianapolis Colts, this time adding Keenan Allen just before the NFL trade deadline.
According to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, the 49ers are getting Allen from the Colts in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Pelissero reported, “Trade! The Colts are sending six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen to the 49ers for a 2027 sixth-round pick,”
It’s the second deal between these two teams in recent weeks. Last month, Indianapolis sent defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
The timing makes sense for the 49ers, who have needed help at wide receiver because of a rash of injuries. Ricky Pearsall is out for the season after suffering a knee injury before the 2026 campaign began.
Christian Kirk was just placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling could be sidelined until December because of an ankle issue.
Mike Evans is also dealing with an Achilles injury that is expected to keep him out at least one more game.
Allen may not be the same player he once was, but he has still produced this season despite playing in a Colts offense that has struggled. In eight games, he has 40 catches for 351 yards and one touchdown.
His arrival gives San Francisco a deeper group when he joins Deebo Samuel, who has also been banged up but is expected back this week, and Evans once he returns from his injury.
For Indianapolis, the move fits the direction the team has taken at the deadline. The Colts have already sent guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Buckner to the 49ers, and Allen now joins that list. With the Colts headed nowhere this season and likely facing a rebuild or major retooling, moving Allen - who was almost certainly going to leave in free agency in 2027 - continues that sell-off.
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