Colts Agree to One-Year Deal with Veteran Receiver Keenan Allen to Bolster Passing Attack

Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are addressing their receiving corps depth by agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, according to multiple reports Monday night. The deal is reportedly worth more than $8 million and provides immediate experience to a group that has been impacted by recent roster moves and injuries.

Allen, 34, brings over a decade of NFL experience and familiarity with the organization. The 13th overall pick in the 2013 draft by then-San Diego Chargers, he spent 11 seasons with the franchise before a brief stint with the Chicago Bears in 2024. He returned to the Chargers last season and recorded 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games.

His addition comes as the Colts look to stabilize their receiving corps following the trade of Michael Pittman Jr. in March. Starting receiver Alec Pierce, who ranked among the league leaders in yards per catch the past two seasons and recently signed a contract extension, remains sidelined due to ankle surgery and has yet to participate in training camp drills. His availability for Week 1 remains uncertain.

With emerging talents like Josh Downs already capable of stretching the field, Allen is expected to contribute in a complementary possession-style receiving role for Indianapolis. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Allen owns 12,051 career receiving yards and 70 touchdowns on 1,055 receptions. His 985 catches with the Chargers make him the franchise leader in receptions.

Allen holds prominent spots in Chargers history—his 11,307 receiving yards rank second overall behind only tight end Antonio Gates, while his 63 touchdown catches with the team place him third in franchise history behind Gates (116) and Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (81). Both Gates and Alworth are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This move echoes the Colts’ past strategy during the 2024 season, when they signed former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers late in the year following injuries at the position. Though Rivers did not produce wins in his three starts that December, the team is hoping Allen’s proven track record can provide more immediate impact moving forward.

–Field Level Media

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