NFC-leading 49ers continue to push chips in and acquire star wide receiver Keenan Allen from Colts

The 49ers reportedly traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Colts for Allen

The NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers are making moves at the trade deadline.

The 49ers acquired Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 2027 sixth-round pick, the teams announced on Tuesday. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will provide a major boost to the 49ers' receiving corps, which has been decimated by injuries.

Mike Evans has missed the last two games with Achilles and rib injuries, Deebo Samuel has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, Christian Kirk is on injured reserve with a meniscus injury, second-round rookie De’Zhaun Stribling is on injured reserve with an ankle injury but hopes to return in December, and Ricky Pearsall is out for the season with a PCL injury.

Keenan Allen runs through a drill during Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons joint training camp practice. — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen runs through a drill during a joint training camp practice with the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 20, 2026, at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Despite all those injuries, the 49ers are 7-1 and atop the conference. Allen has been productive in eight games with the Colts this season, catching 40 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown.

Allen was arrested in August on charges of two misdemeanor OWI (operating while intoxicated) offenses. He has not been disciplined because the legal process is still ongoing. He could face a three-game suspension once that process is concluded, as that is the typical suspension length under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Allen is in his 14th season in the NFL. He spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Chargers franchise, including four seasons in San Diego before the team relocated to Los Angeles, before being traded to the Chicago Bears. He spent one season with the Bears before re-signing with the Chargers last year.

Keenan Allen catches a pass in front of Malik Hooker and Daron Bland during an NFL game. — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen catches a pass in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Daron Bland during the first half of an NFL game in Indianapolis on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

In August 2026, he signed with the Colts during training camp. Over his career, he has caught 1,095 passes for 12,402 yards and 71 touchdowns.

The Allen trade is the second transaction the teams have completed together this season. In October, the 49ers acquired All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a 2027 fourth-round pick.

For the Colts, the Allen trade is the third trade they have made since firing general manager Chris Ballard. They also traded eight-time Pro Bowl selection Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks.

Keenan Allen speaks with media at Grand Park in Westfield. — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts' joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

The Colts may not be done, either, as running back Jonathan Taylor has drawn interest and wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade after the team parted with Nelson and Buckner.

The trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.