Colts weighing receiver addition as Steichen’s link to Allen resurfaces
Head coach Shane Steichen’s previous tenure with Keenan Allen in Los Angeles has drawn attention as Indianapolis considers a move to bolster its passing game.
The Indianapolis Colts are evaluating potential roster adjustments at wide receiver, with head coach Shane Steichen’s historical connection to free agent Keenan Allen emerging as a focal point of the discussion. Following the conclusion of final minicamp practices, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported that the organisation is "still mulling a potential roster move at receiver," signalling that the front office remains open to external options despite the thin free agent market.
General manager Chris Ballard is closely monitoring the available talent pool to address a perceived lack of sustained production within the current group. While Ashton Dulin is currently viewed as the front-runner for the third starting spot, he faces competition from Laquon Treadwell, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Deion Burks. The collective track record of these players at the NFL level has not consistently delivered steady output in the passing game, prompting the need for additional depth.
The Athletic’s James Boyd has highlighted the professional ties between Steichen and Allen, noting that the wide receiver played under the coach during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. Steichen held various roles with the Chargers between 2014 and 2020, serving as offensive coordinator in his final year with the franchise. This familiarity with Steichen’s system could theoretically allow Allen to integrate quickly into the Colts’ offensive structure.
Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, entered the league with the Chargers in 2013 and recorded over 1,100 receiving yards in five of seven seasons between 2017 and 2023. Although his recent production has dipped, he has accumulated more than 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years. He remains available alongside other notable free agents such as Deebo Samuel and Stefon Diggs.
Financial constraints do not appear to be a barrier for Indianapolis, as the team possesses more than sufficient salary cap space to facilitate an addition. However, no formal agreements have been reached, and the Colts’ interest in Allen remains speculative, driven by coaching history and positional needs rather than confirmed negotiations.
