The Indianapolis Colts traded WR Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 sixth-round pick. This happened just a few hours before the trade deadline. The 49ers currently are dealing with injuries among their WRs including Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, De’Zhaun Stribling, Christian Kirk (and Brandon Aiyuk doesn’t appear set to return to the team. Allen has a chance to emerge as the top WR option on the team until Evans and Samuel return.
What They're Saying: San Francisco Strikes Late
Tom Pelissero, The Ringer: “Trade! The Colts are sending six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen to the 49ers for a 2027 sixth-round pick”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Targets Should Keep Coming
Allen commanded plenty of targets as one of the Colts' few receiving options, and his 7.25 targets per game ranks 23rd in the NFL.
That target share should at least stick and could even tick up for a few weeks if the 49ers' other WRs miss even more games.
The six-time Pro Bowler is 34 years old and just a short-term rental as the 49ers attempt to compete for a Super Bowl. His fantasy value should hold steady and could even increase in the short term.
Allen hasn’t played for Kyle Shanahan in the past, but Allen’s route running and sure hands do fit the system well. Expect him to be utilized immediately.
The Colts offense gets even worse, making nearly everyone on it not worth starting on your fantasy team.
Jonathan Taylor may be the lone exception, though he could still be traded in the next few hours. Even if Taylor stays, the team seems to be giving RB Seth McGowan even more touches in recent weeks.
