The San Francisco 49ers have acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The trade was completed on November 10, 2026, shortly before the NFL’s 4 p.m. Eastern trade deadline, giving San Francisco an experienced receiver amid injuries to several key offensive players.
Allen, 34, joins the 49ers after spending eight games with Indianapolis. The six-time Pro Bowl selection recorded 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown with the Colts this season. His arrival gives quarterback Brock Purdy another established receiving option as San Francisco continues its push toward the playoffs.
Keenan Allen Trade Details and Draft Compensation
The Colts confirmed that they received a 2027 sixth-round draft pick from San Francisco in exchange for Allen. The selection originally belonged to the Baltimore Ravens before reaching the 49ers.
Allen signed a one-year contract with Indianapolis in August 2026 after spending the previous season with the Los Angeles Chargers. His time with the Colts lasted less than three months before the organization decided to move him ahead of the trade deadline.
The deal represents another roster change for Indianapolis following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard in October. The Colts entered the deadline with a 2-7 record and began moving several experienced players in exchange for future draft selections.
Why the 49ers Traded for Keenan Allen
San Francisco entered the trade deadline with a 7-1 record but faced significant injury concerns at wide receiver.
Mike Evans has been dealing with rib and Achilles problems, while Deebo Samuel has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Christian Kirk and Demarcus Robinson have also experienced injury issues, leaving the team with limited receiving depth.
The 49ers have relied on players including Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing during the injury-related absences.
Allen provides an experienced option who can work across the middle of the field and contribute on important third-down plays. His route-running ability and extensive NFL experience could help Purdy maintain consistency while other receivers recover.
The trade also reunites Allen with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, whom San Francisco acquired from Indianapolis in an earlier deal.
Keenan Allen’s NFL Career and Statistics
Keenan Allen was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft after playing college football at California.
He spent most of his professional career with the Chargers organization, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive possession receivers.
Allen earned six Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Chargers and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2017.
Following the 2023 season, the Chargers traded him to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round draft pick. He played one season in Chicago before returning to Los Angeles in 2025.
He subsequently signed with Indianapolis in August 2026.
Across 14 NFL seasons, Allen has recorded 1,095 receptions for 12,402 receiving yards and 71 touchdowns in 179 games. His reception total ranks eighth in NFL history, making him one of the most accomplished active receivers.
Colts Continue Roster Changes Before Trade Deadline
Allen was one of several established players Indianapolis moved before the deadline.
The Colts also traded wide receiver Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs, receiving fourth- and fifth-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft while sending a seventh-round pick to Kansas City.
Other departures included offensive guard Quenton Nelson, who joined the Seattle Seahawks, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was traded to San Francisco.
Following these transactions, Indianapolis holds 10 selections in the 2027 NFL Draft and eight in the 2028 draft, giving the organization additional resources for future roster development.
The Colts promoted wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from their practice squad to fill Allen’s roster spot.
What Keenan Allen’s Trade Means for San Francisco
Allen joins a San Francisco offense featuring quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle.
The 49ers now have several of the NFL’s most productive active pass catchers on their roster, including Allen and Evans. McCaffrey and Kittle also provide established receiving options.
Allen’s role will depend partly on the recovery of San Francisco’s injured receivers. His experience gives the coaching staff another option for short and intermediate passing plays.
The trade is complete, with Indianapolis receiving a 2027 sixth-round pick and Allen joining San Francisco for the remainder of the 2026 season. The 49ers have not yet confirmed how extensively he will feature in his first game with the team.
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