Summary:
- The Indianapolis Colts shook hands with Keenan Allen for a one-year deal with worth up to $8.32 million
- Allen recorded 81 catches, 777 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers last season
- The veteran receiver reunites with Colts coach Shane Steichen after their time together in Los Angeles
The Indianapolis Colts have added veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen as they look to strengthen a receiving corps facing several questions ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Indianapolis agreed to terms with the 34-year-old Allen on Monday, August 17, according to a team source cited by ESPN. Multiple reports put the value of the one-year agreement at up to $8.32 million.
Allen returns to the NFL after rejoining the Los Angeles Chargers last season. In his 13th NFL season, he recorded 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns, while serving as quarterback Justin Herbert’s most-targeted receiver with 122 targets.
The new deal will allow Keenan Allen to once again work with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. The two previously worked together in Los Angeles, where Steichen served as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator while Allen was one of the team’s leading receivers.
Their close ties never faded away, as, long after Steichen moved on, the coach reportedly maintained dialogue with Allen for months about a potential reunion.
The Colts entered training camp evaluating whether their existing receiver group could handle the season. However, Michael Pittman Jr.‘s offseason departure in a trade and Alec Pierce‘s absence following ankle surgery created additional uncertainty.
Allen brings extensive experience to the group. Selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2013 draft out of California, he spent his first 11 seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2024 following a contract dispute. He returned to Los Angeles before the 2025 season.
One of Allen’s biggest strengths remains his reliability on third downs. Last season, he recorded 34 receptions on third down and 29 receiving first downs, helping earn him the nickname “third-and-Keenan.”
Allen enters Indianapolis with 1,055 career receptions, 12,051 receiving yards and 70 touchdown catches. He is also a six-time Pro Bowl selection and ranks 13th in NFL history in receptions.
The Colts may not need Allen to provide the deep-threat role. His 9.6 yards per reception last season was a career low, while Pierce led the NFL in yards per catch.
Instead, Allen could provide a dependable short and intermediate option, while Josh Downs is expected to take on more downfield work from the slot.
Will Allen help the Colts this season and maybe get a chance at Super Bowl LXI? Get all the odds ahead of the action with US Sportsbooks
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