49ers pay 6th-round pick for WR Keenan Allen
San Francisco acquires the veteran pass-catcher from Indianapolis to bolster a receiving corps decimated by injuries.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
The San Francisco 49ers acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a sixth-round draft pick on Tuesday.
The deal was finalized ahead of the 4 p.m. trade deadline, adding a proven target for quarterback Brock Purdy. This move addresses a critical depth issue as the team competes for the top seed in the National Football Conference.
Allen is 34 years old and signed a one-year contract with Indianapolis in August. He has recorded 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games this season. His 40 catches would be the most on the 49ers roster, surpassing current team leaders.
The 49ers entered the trade with a depleted receiving group. Mike Evans, who suffered an Achilles and rib injury, and Deebo Samuel, dealing with a hamstring issue, have been sidelined recently. Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, joining Ricky Pearsall and De'Zhaun Stribling on the list.
Prior to Allen's arrival, Jordan Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Demarcus Robinson, KhaDarel Hodge, and Jacob Cowing served as Purdy's primary targets. Watkins led the team with 86 receiving yards in a 38-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Despite the injuries, the 49ers offense remains efficient. Through Week 9, the team ranks sixth in the league with 376.8 yards per game and third in points per game at 29.4. The squad recorded passing, rushing, and defensive touchdowns in the win over Las Vegas, a feat not achieved since 2022.
Allen brings extensive experience to San Francisco. The six-time Pro Bowler spent 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Chargers. He holds the franchise record for second-most receiving yards behind Antonio Gates. His career includes six 1,000-yard seasons and five 100-catch campaigns, tying for third all-time.
This is the second transaction between these front offices in recent weeks. The 49ers previously sent a fourth-round pick to Indianapolis for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner at the end of October. The Colts have been active sellers, trading away star running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive end Quenton Nelson in prior deals.
The 49ers hold a record for this season with seven players aged 30 or older catching touchdowns. Only the 1998 Denver Broncos, 2007 New England Patriots, and 2002 Oakland Raiders have had more total touchdowns scored by players of that age group. The 49ers face no immediate financial pressure, having secured Allen for a single late-round selection.
Allen's recent performance with the Colts was solid despite roster changes. He served as the team's most reliable target while Alec Pierce was injured and Josh Downs struggled following a trade request. In the 2025 season with the Chargers, Allen caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns. He is also facing a pending suspension following an OWI arrest in Indianapolis earlier this year.
