The San Francisco 49ers have acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts in a trade completed ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.

The Colts receive a 2027 sixth-round draft pick in return for the six-time Pro Bowl receiver, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network.

Why the 49ers made the move

San Francisco are 7-1 this season but have been hit by injuries at wide receiver, with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk and Demarcus Robinson all affected. Allen gives them an experienced target for the second half of the season.

Allen, 34, has caught 40 passes for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games for the Colts this season, with four starts. He led Indianapolis in targets and receptions despite the team's struggles.

Allen's career so far

Allen spent 12 years with the Chargers after being drafted in the third round in 2013, then played one season with the Chicago Bears in 2024 before rejoining the Chargers in 2025. He signed a one-year deal with the Colts in August 2026.

Across his career he has caught 1,095 passes for 12,402 yards and 71 touchdowns, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times.

Colts sell as deadline passes

The Colts, who are 2-7 this season, have been among the most active sellers at the deadline. Indianapolis also traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers, as the club looks to build for the future with extra draft picks.

Allen now returns to the West Coast, where he played most of his career, and joins a 49ers side chasing a deep playoff run.