Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers addressed their need at wide receiver before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, trading for Indianapolis Colts for veteran Keenan Allen
The rebuilding Colts received a sixth-round selection in the 2027 draft in exchange for Allen.
Allen was one of two Colts wide receivers traded before the deadline, along with Josh Downs, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.
It marks the second trade in three weeks between the 49ers and Colts, who also dealt star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco on Oct. 27.
San Francisco’s need at receiver has been glaring
San Francisco’s need at receiver has been glaring for much of the season as injuries have ravaged that room, starting in training camp when Ricky Pearsall went on injured reserve because of knee surgery.
The Niners since have played multiple games without Mike Evans (Achilles tendonitis), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), De’Zhaun Stribling (ankle) and Christian Kirk (calf/knee).
The trade will be a sort of homecoming for the 34-year-old Allen, who played collegiately at nearby Cal. The six-time Pro Bowler has 1,095 career receptions — the eighth most in NFL history and seven short of surpassing Cris Carter for seventh on the all-time list.
Allen becomes the third veteran player traded
Allen becomes the third veteran player traded in recent weeks by Indianapolis, joining Buckner and star guard Quenton Nelson.
Allen’s 40 receptions were the most on the Colts this season, and he should fit right in on an offense that leans heavily on experienced veterans. According to ESPN Research, the Niners have the most offensive snaps (2,943) and offensive touchdowns (25) from players 30 or older this season.
Of the five players who are 33 or older to post 300-plus receiving yards this season, the Niners now have three of them: Allen, Evans and tight end George Kittle.
Although Robinson returned from injured reserve last week
Although Robinson returned from injured reserve last week against the Las Vegas Raiders and Samuel is set to return to practice Wednesday, the 49ers have been seeking reliable options for quarterback Brock Purdy as Evans and Stribling continue to recover from their injuries.
Second-year receiver Jordan Watkins has emerged in recent weeks, including a four-catch, 86-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
The 49ers will need to make a corresponding move to create a roster spot for Allen. But with Samuel on track to return as soon as this week, the Niners could enter Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys with a top-four receiver corps of Robinson, Watkins, Samuel and Allen.
Coincidentally, if Allen is able to play Sunday, it will mean playing against the Cowboys two weeks in a row. He had four catches for 26 yards against Dallas in Week 9.
