NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts signed Keenan Allen to a one-year deal worth up to $8.3 million. His addition came amid growing concerns about Alec Pierce’s availability for the upcoming NFL season.
Allen played for the Los Angeles Chargers last year. It was the six-time Pro Bowler’s second stint with the franchise after previously suiting up from 2013-2023. He appeared in 17 regular-season games, including three starts, in 2025. The 34-year-old recorded 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
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Allen’s signing was reported on X by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
BREAKING: The #Colts are signing 6x Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen to a 1-year deal worth up to $8.32M, multiple sources tell me.
A big-time weapon for Daniel Jones, as Allen reunites with HC Shane Steichen from their days together with the Chargers in a deal done by @ZekeSandhu of… pic.twitter.com/wiBZe3wjSf
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 18, 2026
Allen will provide the Colts with depth at the position and will likely play a key role. Pierce remains sidelined following offseason ankle injury. He was reportedly on track to return during training camp but has yet to participate in any practice session.
Keenan Allen’s NFL career
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
Allen entered the NFL as the No. 76 pick in the third round in 2013. The then-San Diego Chargers selected him following a strong collegiate career with the California Golden Bears. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2011 and established himself as a pro-ready wideout.
The North Carolina native has 1,055 career NFL catches for 12,051 yards and 70 touchdowns. Allen won the 2013 Rookie of the Year award and was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2017.
Indianapolis is his third franchise after also previously suiting up for the Chicago Bears. He’ll likely play behind Josh Downs and Pierce, if he’ll be available, and will also serve as a mentor to the team’s younger players. The Colts also have Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Anthony Gould and Ashton Dulin in their wide receiver room. They missed the playoffs again last year, finishing with an 8-9 record. The team last qualified for the postseason in 2020.