Colts secure veteran receiver Keenan Allen in reunion with coach Steichen

The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $8.32 million contract with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 34-year-old, who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, is set to join the Colts for the 2026 season.

The move marks a significant reunion for Allen and head coach Shane Steichen, who served as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator during Allen’s tenure in Los Angeles. Steichen is now entering his fourth season as the Colts’ head coach, having previously worked closely with Allen when the receiver was a primary target in the Chargers’ offence.

Allen arrives in Indianapolis with a history of high-level production and resilience. Over his career, he has recorded six 1,000-yard receiving seasons and earned six Pro Bowl selections. His professional journey includes a notable comeback after missing nearly the entire 2016 season due to a torn ACL, an achievement that earned him Comeback Player of the Year honours in 2017.

In the previous season with the Chargers, Allen recorded 777 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 81 catches. He had signed a one-year, $3.02 million deal with the franchise last season before becoming a free agent this summer. The Colts view Allen as a key component to bolstering a receiving corps that includes Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.

The signing comes as the Colts look to improve upon an 8-9 record from the previous season, which saw the team miss the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The squad is also preparing for the return of quarterback Daniel Jones, who is expected to be back from an Achilles injury sustained late last season. Allen is scheduled to make his season debut against the Baltimore Ravens on 13 September.