The San Francisco 49ers acquired veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a sixth-round draft pick at the NFL trade deadline, according to ESPN.
Allen, 34, signed a one-year deal with the Colts in August and had 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games. He led the Colts in receptions and would lead the 49ers in that category. In his most recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, he caught four passes for 26 yards.
The 49ers sought receiver help after injuries sidelined Mike Evans (Achilles/ribs), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), and Christian Kirk (knee, placed on injured reserve). Ricky Pearsall and De'Zhaun Stribling are also on IR. Despite the injuries, San Francisco's offense ranks sixth in yards per game (376.8) and third in points per game (29.4) through Week 9.
Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler who spent 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, where he is the franchise's second-leading receiver behind Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. He has recorded six 1,000-yard seasons and five 100-catch seasons, tied for third all-time.
This is the second trade between the 49ers and Colts in recent weeks; San Francisco sent a fourth-round pick for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner in late October.
Trade grades
49ers: B. The addition gives Kyle Shanahan a reliable veteran target alongside Mike Evans when healthy. Allen was the Colts' most reliable receiver despite not being brought in for that role. However, the trade's success depends on health, including Evans' Achilles strain and Allen's availability. Allen also faces a potential three-game suspension from an OWI arrest in Indianapolis earlier this year.
Colts: C+. Indianapolis, losers of five straight, fired general manager Chris Ballard last month and have now traded Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, and Allen. The Colts are clearly selling at the deadline. Future storylines involve star running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs.
