The San Francisco 49ers traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, addressing a receiver room decimated by injuries. Since training camp, the Niners have lost Ricky Pearsall (knee), Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) and Christian Kirk (calf/knee).
Allen, 34, is a six-time Pro Bowler with 1,095 career receptions — eighth in NFL history. He played collegiately at Cal and led the Colts with 40 catches this season. The deal marks the second trade between the teams in three weeks; DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson were also moved by Indianapolis.
San Francisco now boasts three of the league's five players 33 or older with 300+ receiving yards: Allen, Evans and tight end George Kittle. The 49ers lead the NFL in offensive snaps (2,943) and touchdowns (25) from players 30-plus.
Deebo Samuel returns to practice Wednesday and Jordan Watkins has emerged (four catches, 86 yards, one TD vs. Raiders). A corresponding roster move is needed for Allen, but San Francisco could field a top-four of Robinson, Watkins, Samuel and Allen against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing